Drink preparation kit including a modular accessory

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a beverage preparation kit, comprising a beverage preparation accessory (3) configured to be attached to a beverage dispenser (2), the beverage preparation accessory (3) having an inlet end (11), an outlet end (12) and a main chamber (10) extending between the inlet end (11) and the outlet end (12), wherein the inlet end (11) includes an inlet port (67) for filling the main chamber (10) with liquid, and wherein the outlet end (12) includes an outlet opening (29) provided with a valve (30) for selectively allowing the flow of liquid contained in the main chamber (10) to the outside, the kit further comprising a coffee preparation module (31) configured to be removably mounted on the beverage preparation accessory (3) through the inlet port (67),the coffee preparation module (31) comprising a filtration element including an outer wall (33), in which the outer wall delimits a ground coffee receiving chamber (34) and is provided with filtration orifices, the ground coffee receiving chamber (34) being at least partially received into the main chamber (10) in a mounted position of the coffee preparation module (31) on the beverage preparation accessory (3). Abbreviated Fig.: Figure 8,

Description

Title of the invention: Kit for preparing a beverage comprising a modular accessory technical field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dispensers of a liquid on demand from a user. More specifically, it concerns hot water dispensers for the preparation of hot beverages such as tea or coffee. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Hot water production devices known as "instantaneous water heaters," sometimes referred to by the acronym "WOD" for "Water On Demand," are known. Such devices allow for the distribution of hot water on demand by the user, without the device including a hot water tank from which the water is drawn. In these devices, hot water is produced on demand by the user by passing cold water through a heat exchanger. The cold water is obtained either from a central supply, typically connected to a city water distribution network, or from a cold water tank with a given capacity. The heat exchanger is generally a boiler and operates using electric or natural gas heating.

[0003] Certain devices allow the production of coffee or tea from hot water obtained from an instantaneous water heater. Compared to devices with a hot water reservoir, such devices offer several advantages: significant energy savings, greater compactness due to the absence of a hot water reservoir, and an improved lifespan. The major advantage of these devices is that they allow the preparation of a large number of cups of hot beverage without the user having to take any special action to preheat the water, making them particularly suitable for homes or businesses with high hot beverage consumption.

[0004] Hot water is generally dispensed directly through a nozzle of the device into a cup containing an ingredient to be infused, such as tea leaves or ground coffee. Besides the fact that such a dispensing method can cause burns to a user when handling the cup, it requires placing an accessory inside the cup to hold the infused ingredients, such as a tea ball, which complicates the process of preparing the hot beverage. Alternatively, the ingredients can be placed directly into the cup, which means that solid particles remain in the cup and impair the taste of the beverage.

[0005] There are cup-type accessories, connected to the dispensing nozzle, that allow the ingredients to be placed in the cup rather than directly in a container intended to receive the prepared hot beverage. These cups include a compartment in which the ingredients to be infused are placed, which may be, for example, tea leaves or ground coffee.

[0006] However, these cups do not allow for the optimal production of several different types of hot beverages. Indeed, they are designed either for preparing tea or coffee, and their use is unsuitable for preparing either of these beverages alternately. EXPOSURE

[0007] One purpose of this disclosure is therefore to provide a kit for preparing beverages, especially hot ones, using a dispenser such as an instant water heater dispenser, which allows optimal preparation of tea as well as coffee from the same liquid dispenser.

[0008] To this end, a beverage preparation kit is proposed, comprising a beverage preparation accessory configured to be attached to a beverage dispenser, the beverage preparation accessory having an inlet end, an outlet end and a main chamber extending between the inlet end and the outlet end, wherein the inlet end includes an inlet orifice for filling the main chamber with a liquid, and wherein the outlet end includes an outlet opening equipped with a valve allowing selective flow of liquid contained in the main chamber to the outside, the kit further comprising a coffee preparation module configured to be removably mounted on the beverage preparation accessory through the inlet orifice, the coffee preparation module comprising a filtration element including an outer wall,in which the outer wall delimits a ground coffee receiving chamber and is provided with filtration orifices, the ground coffee receiving chamber being at least partially received into the main chamber in a mounted position of the coffee preparation module on the beverage preparation accessory.

[0009] The kit thus proposed allows, by means of a single main accessory and a single hot water dispenser, the optimal preparation of both tea and coffee. It allows for tea preparation by depositing loose tea leaves in the main chamber, which has large dimensions adapted to the infusion of the leaves by the water, as well as coffee preparation using the coffee preparation module, which forms a compact chamber to receive ground coffee and thus allows the extraction of the coffee aromas by the hot water passing through this module. The coffee module allows for dosing an optimal quantity of ground coffee. Furthermore, the kit eliminates the need to change accessories, particularly for the master bedroom, when you want to change the type of drink prepared.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the coffee preparation module extends, in the mounted position of the coffee preparation module on the beverage preparation accessory, only inside the main chamber.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the coffee preparation module further includes a dispersion module intended to be positioned above the ground coffee receiving chamber, the dispersion module being intended to disperse the liquid entering the coffee preparation module.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the dispersion module comprises a base provided with a plurality of filtration holes, the base being intended to be positioned opposite the grinding reception chamber.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the bottom of the dispersion module has a convex shape.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the dispersion module includes an outer edge suitable for cooperating with an inner shoulder of the filtration element to assemble the dispersion module to the filtration element.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the dispersion module includes at least one gripping portion, the gripping portion preferably being formed by two recesses provided in an outer edge of the dispersion module.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the filtration element includes a clean upper rim, when the coffee preparation module is in the mounted position on the beverage preparation accessory, to cooperate with an upper edge of the beverage preparation accessory delimiting the inlet end so as to allow assembly by superimposing the coffee preparation module on the beverage preparation accessory.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the beverage preparation accessory includes a filter wall positioned in the lower part of the main chamber near the outlet end, preferably a removable filter wall and / or comprising stainless steel.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the kit includes a removable lid intended to be positioned at the inlet end to close the beverage preparation accessory, the removable lid having a liquid passage orifice.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the beverage preparation accessory is provided with a gripping handle.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the outlet end valve comprises a ball with a diameter greater than a diameter of the outlet opening and an actuator configured to move the ball away from the outlet opening when pressure is applied to a push button mechanically linked to the actuator, the ball being configured to close the outlet opening under the effect of its own weight when no pressure is exerted on the push button.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the accessory comprises an inlet portion at the inlet end and an outlet portion at the outlet end, and a substantially cylindrical central portion forming the main chamber and extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, the central portion being substantially transparent.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the inlet portion and the outlet portion comprise a plastic material, and the central portion comprises a material selected from glass, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the removable cover and the dispersion module can be combined into a single piece, for example by ultrasonic welding.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the ball is held in a lower position closing the exit opening by, in addition to its own weight, a return element when no pressure is exerted on the push button, the return element being in particular a spring.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the main chamber is, in a disassembled position of the coffee preparation module, configured to receive an ingredient to be infused, in particular tea.

[0026] This disclosure relates, according to a second aspect, to a beverage distribution system comprising:

[0027] a kit for preparing a beverage as defined above, and

[0028] a beverage dispenser equipped with an instant water heater, a housing and a liquid dispensing nozzle,

[0029] in which the beverage preparation accessory includes a male fastening device complementary to a female fastening device disposed on a hook wall of the beverage dispenser housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the inlet orifice is intended to be positioned opposite the liquid distribution nozzle when the male fastening device cooperates with the female fastening device. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Other features, purposes and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0032] Fig. 1 represents a beverage distribution assembly equipped with a beverage dispenser and a beverage preparation accessory.

[0033] Fig. 2 represents the beverage dispenser of Fig. 1.

[0034] [Fig.3A] represents the beverage preparation accessory of [Fig.1], according to a first embodiment.

[0035] Figure [Fig. 3B] shows a sealing gasket for the beverage preparation accessory of the [Fig.3A],

[0036] Fig. 4 represents the beverage preparation accessory of Fig. 1, according to a second embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 5 represents the beverage preparation accessory of Fig. 3A from a bird's-eye view, omitting the sealing gasket shown in Fig. 3B.

[0038] Fig. 6A represents a male fixing device for the beverage preparation accessory according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Fig. 6B represents a female fixing device for the beverage dispenser, complementary to the male fixing device of Fig. 6A.

[0040] Fig. 7A represents a male fixing device for the beverage preparation accessory according to a second embodiment.

[0041] Fig.7B represents a female fixing device for the beverage dispenser, complementary to the male fixing device shown in Fig.7A.

[0042] [Fig.8] represents a kit for preparing a beverage according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising the beverage preparation accessory of [Fig.5].

[0043] Fig. 9 represents the beverage dispenser of Fig. 2 according to an embodiment comprising a tray for receiving a container.

[0044] Fig. 10 represents the receiving tray of the container of Fig. 9.

[0045] Figure 11A represents the beverage dispenser of Figure 9 according to a mode of construction including a sealing element.

[0046] The [Fig. 1 IB] represents in detail the sealing element of the [Fig. 11 A].

[0047] Throughout the figures, similar or identical elements are designated by the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS Distribution assembly

[0048] Figure 1 represents a beverage dispensing assembly 1. The dispensing assembly 1 comprises a beverage dispenser 2, shown in more detail in Figure 2, and a beverage preparation accessory 3. The beverage preparation accessory 3 can be removably coupled to the beverage dispenser 2.

[0049] The beverage dispenser 2 includes a hot water production means, which enables the production and delivery of hot water to a liquid dispensing nozzle 9. In one embodiment, the hot water production means is an instantaneous water heater, that is to say, it does not have a hot water tank, but is connected to a cold water source, in particular a cold water tank or a cold water supply pipe. The instantaneous water heater then includes means for heating the cold water so as to produce hot water. These cold water heating means include, in particular, electric heating elements.

[0050] A housing 13 protects the electronic and fluidic components, and includes a wall 24 surrounding the liquid distribution nozzle 9. The housing 13 also includes a hook wall 46. When dispensing a beverage into a container, the hook wall 46 is intended to be opposite a part of a circumference of the container.

[0051] The beverage dispenser 2 can be used without the beverage preparation accessory 3. A liquid is then dispensed directly from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 into a container placed below the nozzle 9. The beverage dispenser 2 can also be used when the beverage preparation accessory 3 is coupled to the beverage dispenser 2. A liquid is then dispensed from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 to the beverage preparation accessory, and the container is then placed below the beverage preparation accessory 3 so as to receive a beverage flowing from the beverage preparation accessory 3.

[0052] The beverage preparation accessory 3 is shown in Figures 3A and 4. It includes a main chamber 10 which, according to certain embodiments, is intended to receive an ingredient to be infused, such as, in particular, tea leaves or ground coffee and hot water from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9. The beverage preparation accessory 3 includes an inlet end 11 provided with an inlet orifice 67 and an outlet end 12 provided with an outlet opening 29. The inlet orifice 67 allows the entry of a liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 into the main chamber 10. The outlet opening 29 allows the distribution of a beverage contained in the main chamber 10 – and in particular obtained by infusing an ingredient placed in the main chamber 10 – to a container placed below the outlet opening 29.

[0053] The beverage preparation accessory 3 is preferably substantially cylindrical and defines an outer wall 22. In some embodiments, a handle 36 extends from the outer wall 22 and facilitates gripping the accessory 3 by a user. The handle 36 is in particular screwed to the outer wall 22.

[0054] According to certain embodiments and as illustrated in Figures 3A and 4, the main chamber 10 is defined by a central portion 68 of the accessory 3, and the accessory 3 further comprises an outlet portion 28 including the outlet end 12 and adapted to be coupled to the central portion 68 so as to extend below the main chamber 10 in a normal operating position of the beverage preparation accessory 3. The accessory 3 includes in particular an inlet portion 69 including the inlet end 11, the inlet portion 69 being adapted to be coupled to the central portion 68 so as to extend above the main chamber 10 in the normal operating position of the beverage preparation accessory 3. Preferably, the handle 36 is fixed, in particular screwed to the outer wall 22 at the level of the inlet portion 69.This minimizes the distance between the handle 36 and the inlet end 11, making it easier for a user to align the inlet orifice 67 with the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 of the dispenser 2.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the outer wall 22 is transparent at least at the level of the central portion 68, so as to allow a user to inspect a preparation of the beverage in the main chamber 10. The outer wall 22 then comprises, at the level of the central portion 68, a transparent plastic material or glass.

[0056] The inlet portion 69 and / or the outlet portion 28 may comprise a plastic material, so as to give these portions sufficient toughness to withstand shocks which could occur when the beverage preparation accessory 3 is dropped, for example when dropped during an attempt to couple or uncouple the accessory 3 on the beverage dispenser 2. The inlet portion 69 and / or the outlet portion 28 may in particular comprise a material selected from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the inlet portion 69, central portion 68, and outlet portion 28 all comprise a plastic material. The beverage preparation accessory 3 is then configured to withstand a fall, since any portion of the accessory 3 that can strike the ground is capable of withstanding this impact without fracturing.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the inlet portion 69 and outlet portion 28 comprise a plastic material, and the outer wall 22 comprises glass at the central portion 68. The outer wall 22 of the central portion 68 is then surrounded by a protective wall (not shown) of substantially cylindrical shape and with a diameter greater than one diameter of the outer wall 22 at the central portion 68. The protective wall is made of a material configured to withstand a fall of the accessory without fracturing. The outer wall 22 can thus be made of glass without risking it fracturing upon impact.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the inlet portion 69, central portion 68 and outlet portion 28 all have a substantially cylindrical shape and define the outer wall 22. The central portion 68 comprises glass and has a diameter less than the diameter of the inlet portion 69 and less than the diameter of the outlet portion 28. Thus, even if the beverage preparation accessory 3 were to fall, only the inlet portion 69 and / or the outlet portion 28 could be impacted with the ground, so that a fracture of the central glass portion 68 is avoided.

[0060] The outlet opening 29 of the accessory 3 preferably includes a valve 30 configured to selectively allow distribution of the beverage contained in the main chamber 10, or a blocking of the outlet opening 29 so as to prevent any exit of liquid contained in the main chamber 10 through the outlet opening 29.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the valve 30 comprises a ball 43 disposed, in the normal operating position of the beverage preparation accessory 3, directly above the outlet opening 29 so as to rest on the outlet opening 29 under the effect of its own weight. The ball 43 has a diameter that allows it to completely close the outlet opening 29 in the absence of any action by a user. The valve 30 further includes an actuator 44. The actuator 44 has a first end disposed substantially below the ball 43, and a second end suitable for being actuated by a push button 45. In the absence of pressure from the user on the push button 45, the first end of the actuator 44 is not in contact with the ball 43, or exerts a force on the ball 43 insufficient to dislodge the ball 43 from the outlet opening 29.A press by the user on the push button 45 actuates the second end so that the first end exerts a force on the ball which lifts the ball 43, thus moving the ball 43 away from the outlet opening 29, and allowing the distribution through the outlet opening 29 of the beverage contained in the main chamber 10.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a spring 43a is placed above the ball 43 to hold the ball against the outlet opening 29, in addition to its own weight. This configuration prevents the valve from opening if the beverage dispenser is overturned on a support surface 2; only an intentional action by the user can open the valve 30.

[0063] The ball 43 can be made of stainless steel or plastic.

[0064] The accessory 3 comprises a filter wall 42, disposed in the main chamber 10 near the outlet end 12, i.e. in a lower half of the main chamber 10, preferably in a lower quarter of the main chamber 10. The filter wall allows filtration of an infused beverage from a solid ingredient is placed in the main chamber 10, so as to obtain, at the outlet of the outlet 29, a beverage containing a low proportion of solid particles, particularly coffee or tea. The filter wall 42 is preferably removable, which facilitates access to the main chamber 10 and cleaning of both the main chamber 10 and the filter wall 42.

[0065] According to some embodiments, a removable cover 5 is configured to close the inlet end 11 so as to close the beverage preparation accessory 3. The removable cover 5 has a liquid passage orifice 6, positioned in the center of the cover 5 and opposite the inlet orifice 67 of the preparation accessory 3. The liquid passage orifice 6 is also intended to be opposite the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 in the normal operating position of the preparation accessory 3. Sealing system

[0066] According to certain embodiments, the beverage dispensing assembly 1 can be designed to allow a leak-proof coupling of the beverage preparation accessory 3 and the beverage dispenser 2. A sealing system is, for example, provided on the cover 5 of the accessory 3. The seal between the cover 5 and the wall of the accessory 3 can be ensured, for example, by an O-ring, a bayonet fitting, or by screwing. The sealing system prevents leakage of liquid from the main chamber 10 of the accessory 3 to the outside of the dispensing assembly 1 when the accessory 3 is attached to the dispenser 2, the dispenser 2 being inverted on a lateral side 74 of the housing 13 of the dispenser 2.Thus, the sealing system not only prevents liquid from leaking from nozzle 9 in the normal operating position of the distribution assembly 1, but also prevents leakage when the distributor 2 is overturned. Therefore, a user who accidentally overturns the distributor 2 is not at risk of being burned when the housing approaches, or is in, its overturned state.

[0067] The sealing system is configured so that, in the inverted configuration of the distributor 2, a low volumetric flow rate (i.e., below a predefined threshold volumetric flow rate) is not prevented. Indeed, below a given threshold volumetric flow rate, the leakage is not dangerous, as a user is not at risk of being burned by a few drops of hot water and can withdraw their hand in time to avoid injury from the leak. By not preventing all leakage but allowing leakage below a predefined volumetric flow rate, the risk of overpressure in the main chamber 10 is reduced.

[0068] The threshold volumetric flow rate can be 5 mL.s ', 2 mL.s ' or even ImL.s '.

[0069] A first embodiment of the sealing system is shown in [Fig.3A]. According to this first embodiment, the sealing system takes the form of a sealing gasket 4 which extends from the cover 5 and surrounds the liquid passage orifice 6 of the cover. The wall 24 of the housing 13 surrounding the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 is configured to exert a constraint against the sealing gasket 4 along a principal axis X of the beverage preparation accessory 3 when the beverage preparation accessory 3 is coupled to the beverage dispenser 2. Thus, in the coupled position of the accessory 3 on the dispenser 2, a liquid flowing from the nozzle 9 can only flow through the liquid passage orifice 6, or remain in the space enclosed by the gasket 4, without risk of it escaping from the dispensing assembly 1. In order to allow depressurization of the main chamber 10, and with reference to [Fig.3B] The sealing gasket 4 includes at least one depressurization port 75, and possibly several depressurization ports 75 distributed along a circumference of the gasket 4. The depressurization ports 75 are sized according to the threshold volumetric flow rate that is to be allowed when the housing 13 is in its inverted configuration. The depressurization ports allow the sealing gasket 4 to perform the depressurization function itself, without the need for any additional component specific to this function.

[0070] Depending on the pressure that the accessory 3 experiences during its use, one or more depressurization valve(s) 7 may be provided, in addition to or in place of the depressurization ports 75, either in the cover 5 or on the external wall 22 of the main chamber 10.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the depressurization valve 7 comprises a ball, a cavity housing the ball, and a vapor passage channel (not shown) such that:

[0072] - in normal operation, the ball does not obstruct the vapor passage, which allows steam to escape to prevent an increase in pressure in accessory 3;

[0073] - in the event of the beverage dispenser 2 being overturned, the ball moves to seal vapor passage to prevent liquid from leaking outwards.

[0074] Any other means of depressurization conceivable to a person skilled in the art, other than the depressurization ports 75 or the depressurization valve 7, naturally falls within the scope of this disclosure.

[0075] According to other embodiments not shown, the sealing gasket 4 can be disposed on the housing 13, i.e., on the wall 24 surrounding the liquid distribution nozzle 9. The cover 5 then does not include a sealing gasket, but includes an annular clamping surface on the cover, which surrounds the liquid passage orifice 6. When the accessory 3 is coupled to the distributor 2, the annular surface of tightening comes against the stop of the seal 4 and exerts a force on the seal 4 along the main axis X of the accessory 3.

[0076] An alternative embodiment of the sealing system is shown in [Fig. 4]. According to this embodiment, the cover does not include a sealing gasket. The cover 5 includes a movable valve 8, which can rotate about an axis located on the cover 5 or optionally immediately below the cover 5. The movable valve 8 is rotatable between a release position, shown in [Fig. 4], in which the movable valve 8 allows liquid flowing from the liquid distribution nozzle 9 to enter the main chamber 10, and a sealing position, in which the valve closes the liquid passage 6 and thus prevents liquid from leaking from the main chamber 10 to the outside of the distribution assembly 1. The axis of the movable valve 8 preferably includes a return element, in particular a torsion spring, configured to return the movable valve 8 to its sealing position.The dimensions of the movable valve 8 and the spring constant of the return element are configured so that, during liquid dispensing from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9, the movable valve 8 tilts towards its release position under the pressure exerted on it by the flow, and so that, in the absence of liquid dispensing at a given pressure, the return element prevents the movable valve 8 from rotating away from the sealing position.

[0077] Thus, when the distribution assembly 1 is overturned, with the beverage preparation accessory 3 coupled to the beverage dispenser 2, the movable valve 8 remains in the sealed position, not only due to the force exerted by the return element, but also because gravity tends less to tilt the movable valve 8 towards its release position than in the normal operating position of the distribution assembly 1. This embodiment has the advantage of not requiring any means of depressurization: no overpressure can occur in the main chamber, since the opening of the movable valve 8 during liquid dispensing is sufficient to depressurize the main chamber 10. Furthermore, this embodiment is simple to implement and does not require a sensitive part such as a sealing gasket, which can be damaged and need to be replaced periodically.

[0078] System for attaching the beverage preparation accessory to the beverage dispenser

[0079] Figures 5 to 7 show an example of a system for attaching the beverage preparation accessory 3 to the beverage dispenser 2. As shown in Figures 5 and 6A, the accessory 3 includes a male attachment device 14 complementary to a female attachment device 15 which opens onto the mounting wall 46 of the dispenser 2. The male attachment device 14 is configured to be engaged by insertion into the female fastening device 15, removably, according to an insertion direction. The male fastening device 14 defines a principal axis Y, preferably orthogonal to the principal axis X of the beverage preparation accessory 3.

[0080] The male fastening device 14 projects from the outer wall 22 of the accessory 3 along the principal axis Y. The male fastening device 14 comprises at least one lateral face 20 extending from the outer wall 22 along the principal axis Y. The male fastening device 14 further comprises a distal face 21, each edge of which is common with an edge of the lateral face 20.

[0081] The female fastening device 15 includes a receiving cavity 23 extending from the hook wall 46 of the housing 13 and comprising a main wall 49 of complementary shape to the shape of the lateral face 20 of the male fastening device 14 and a bottom wall 47 of complementary shape to the shape of the distal face 21 of the male fastening device 14.

[0082] In some embodiments, the male fastening device 14 comprises a plurality of lateral faces 20 connected to one another, such that the male fastening device 14 has a polygonal cross-section. The female fastening device 15 then comprises a plurality of main walls 49 connected to one another. In other embodiments, shown in Figures 5 and 6A, the lateral face is a single lateral face 20 without edges along its circumference, and the main wall 49 is a single main wall 49. In particular, the lateral face 20 and the main wall 49 have an ellipsoidal or capsule-shaped cross-section.

[0083] According to one embodiment, at least one dimension of the male fastening device 14 decreases from the outer wall 22 of the accessory 3 to the distal face 21. The main wall 49 of the female fastening device 15 has a complementary shape, one dimension of which decreases from the gripping wall 46 of the housing to the bottom wall 47 of the female fastening device 15. This reduction facilitates the engagement of the male fastening device 14 with the female fastening device 15, because when a user attempts to insert the male fastening device 14 into the female fastening device 15, the convergence of the main wall 49 of the female fastening device 15 tends to guide the male fastening device 14 into the desired position. As a result, an unsuccessful insertion attempt, with the resulting risk of the beverage preparation accessory 3 falling out, is less likely due to this reduction in size.

[0084] Preferably, the male fastening device 14 comprises two engagement portions 70 that are substantially symmetrical in rotation with respect to the principal axis Y, i.e., a rotation of one of the engagement portions by 180° around the principal axis Y corresponds substantially to the shape of the other engagement portion 70. This symmetry allows for a guiding effect of the insertion of the male fixing device 14 into the equivalent female fixing device 15 on both sides of the male fixing device 14. In particular, the side wall 20 has a capsule-shaped cross-section, and the engagement portions 70 are semi-circular.

[0085] One of the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15 comprises a movable pin 16 that extends at least partially into a folding cavity 48. The movable pin 16 can assume a retracted position, in which it is at least partially or even entirely housed within the folding cavity 48. The movable pin 16 can also assume a deployed position, in which a larger portion of the movable pin 16 extends outside the folding cavity 48 than in the retracted position. A return element 18 tends to return the movable pin 16 to its deployed position. The return element is in particular in the form of a helical spring disposed within the folding cavity 48, one end of which is fixed to the folding cavity 48 and the other end of which is fixed to the movable pin 16.

[0086] The portion of the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15 that does not include the movable pin 16 comprises a retaining element for the movable pin 16. The retaining element is configured to receive the movable pin 16 in its deployed position at the end of the insertion stroke of the male device 14 into the female fastening device 15, i.e., when the two fastening devices 14 and 15 are coupled. The retaining element prevents the male fastening device 14 from being withdrawn in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, unless a sufficient and predefined decoupling force is applied by the user to the beverage preparation accessory 3 in the withdrawal direction. Thus, the movable pin 16 and the retaining element together prevent accidental decoupling of the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15.In particular, this helps to prevent accidental disconnection in the event of the beverage dispenser 2 being knocked over.

[0087] The male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15 thus allow for a secure, removable coupling between the accessory 3 and the distributor 2, requiring only a simple one-dimensional insertion action. Coupling is therefore easy and convenient for the user, reducing the risk of an unsuccessful coupling attempt.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the receiving member for the movable pin 16 comprises an orifice 17 disposed either on the lateral face 20 of the male fastening device or on the main wall 49 of the female fastening device 15. At the end of its insertion stroke, the movable pin 16 suddenly moves to its deployed position when it is aligned with the orifice 17. The orifice 17 is preferably a blind orifice 17, so that, during the passage of the movable pin 16 to its deployed position, a free end of the The movable pin 16 strikes the bottom of the blind orifice 17 and generates a noise such as a "click", thus alerting the user to a successful coupling between the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the blind orifice 17 is located at a non-zero distance from the distal face 21 of the male fastening device 14 or at a non-zero distance from the bottom wall 47 of the female fastening device 15. Thus, when the male fastening device 14 is inserted into the female fastening device 15, the movable pin 16 comes into contact either with the lateral face 20 or with the main wall 49. The user thus feels a resistance which indicates that a coupling has begun.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the lateral face 20 of the male fastening device 14 or the main wall 49 of the female fastening device 15 is configured so that, when the male fastening device 14 is inserted into the female fastening device 15, the movable pin 16 moves from its deployed position to its retracted position over a first part of the insertion stroke, between a decoupled position of the male fastening device 14 with the female fastening device 15 and an intermediate position between this decoupled position and a coupled position of the male fastening device 14 with the female fastening device 15. Due to the presence of the return element 48, the resistance of the movable pin 16 to the insertion movement increases continuously between the decoupled position and the intermediate position.Then, the movable pin 16 moves from its retracted position to its extended position during a second part of the insertion stroke, which ends with the movable pin 16 engaging in the blind orifice 17. This second part of the insertion stroke occurs between the intermediate position and the coupled position. The resistance of the movable pin 16 to the insertion movement thus decreases continuously between the intermediate position and the coupled position. Consequently, during insertion of the male fastening device 14, the force exerted by the movable pin 16 on the lateral face 20 or on the main wall 49 tends to return the fastening devices 14, 15 towards the decoupled position during the first part of the insertion stroke, and towards the coupled position during the second part of the insertion stroke.This provides the user with coupling assistance, because once the male fastening device 14 is inserted into the female fastening device 15 beyond the intermediate position, the force exerted by the movable pin helps to move the male fastening device 14 into the coupling position.

[0091] Correspondingly, during the withdrawal of the male fastening device 14, the movable pin 16 moves from its deployed position to its retracted position during a first part of the withdrawal stroke, between the coupled position of the male fastening device 14 with the female fastening device 15 and the intermediate position between this coupled position and the decoupled position of the male fastening device 14 with the Female fastening device 15. Due to the presence of the return element 48, the resistance of the movable pin 16 to retraction increases continuously between the coupled position and the intermediate position. Then, the movable pin 16 moves from its retracted position to its deployed position during a second part of the retraction stroke. This second part of the retraction stroke occurs between the intermediate position and the decoupled position. The resistance of the movable pin 16 to retraction thus decreases continuously between the intermediate position and the decoupled position. Consequently, during retraction of the male fastening device 14, the force exerted by the movable pin on the lateral face 20 or on the main wall 49 tends to return the fastening devices 14, 15 towards the coupled position during the first part of the retraction stroke, and towards the decoupled position during the second part of the retraction stroke.This provides the user with assistance in decoupling, because as soon as they remove the male fixing device 14 from the female fixing device 15 beyond the intermediate position, the force exerted by the movable pin helps to move the male fixing device 14 into the decoupling position.

[0092] For both insertion and removal, the coupling or decoupling aid thus formed helps the user, and allows better tolerance of the distribution set 1 to approximate coupling or decoupling gestures on the part of the user.

[0093] According to one embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 6B], the housing 13 of the beverage dispenser 2 includes a guide surface 50 disposed opposite the receiving cavity 23 of the female fixing device 15. The guide surface 50 is convergent in the direction of the receiving cavity 23. In particular, the guide surface 50 may be flat or curved and include a first edge 71 disposed at substantially the same height - defined hereafter as the vertical dimension when the dispenser 2 rests on a horizontal mounting surface - as the liquid dispensing nozzle 9, and a second edge 72 disposed at a height closer to the height of the receiving cavity 23.When the user attempts to insert the male fixing device 14 into the female fixing device 15, the presence of the guide surface 50 allows him to make an approximate movement: if the male fixing device 14 is not positioned exactly opposite the female fixing device 15, but at a slightly higher height, the guide surface guides the male fixing device 14 towards the female fixing device 15 and thus allows a successful insertion.

[0094] In addition to or instead of the movable pin 16 and the receiving member, one of the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15 comprises, according to certain embodiments, a first permanent magnet. The other of the male fastening device 14 and the female fastening device 15 then comprises either a a second permanent magnet of opposite polarity, i.e., a ferromagnetic portion. The first magnet is positioned so as to come into contact with the second magnet or the ferromagnetic portion in the coupled position of the fastening devices 14, 15. The use of a permanent magnet allows the user to feel a "click" indicating the end of the insertion stroke, the fastening devices 14, 15 then being in the coupled position.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the lateral face 20 of the male fastening device 14 comprises, but is not limited to, at least one tab 19, preferably two tabs 19. The tabs 19, in the coupled position of the fastening devices 14, 15, increase friction between the lateral face 20 of the male fastening device 14 and the main wall 49 of the female fastening device 15. The tabs 19 thus prevent accidental decoupling of the fastening devices 14, 15, particularly in the event of failure of the movable pin 16 after repeated use, or when the user does not fully engage the movable pin 16 in the blind orifice 17, or in the event of the beverage dispenser 2 being overturned with the accessory 3 coupled to the dispenser 2.

[0096] The tabs 19 comprise a first end fixed to the lateral face 20 and a second free end. To allow friction against the main wall 49, the second end of the tabs 19 extends, in the absence of external stress, beyond the lateral face 20. The second free end of the tabs 19 preferably comprises a notched or toothed portion 51, which increases the friction exerted by the tabs 19 on the main wall 49. The main wall 49 may also comprise a notched portion 51 positioned to face the notched portion 51 of the tabs 19, so as to maximize the friction exerted by the tabs 19 on the main wall 49.

[0097] In order to allow simple manufacturing of the tabs, these can be formed by simple cutting, made in the lateral face 20.

[0098] According to certain embodiments, the attachment wall 46 of the housing 13 includes one or more support rib(s) on which, in the coupled position of the beverage preparation accessory 3 on the beverage dispenser 2, the outlet end 12 of the accessory 3 rests. This makes it possible both to increase and guarantee the stability of the accessory 3 in the coupled position, and to limit the stresses seen by the fastening devices 14, 15 during the life of the distribution assembly 1, and to limit wear on the fastening devices 14, 15.

[0099] Figure 7A represents an alternative system for attaching the beverage preparation accessory 3 to the beverage dispenser 2. According to this alternative, the beverage preparation accessory 3 comprises a male attachment device 14' with a mounting block 27 extending beyond the outer wall 22 of Accessory 3. The mounting block 27 extends preferentially from the outlet portion 28 of accessory 3, but can also extend from the central portion 68 or the inlet portion 69. The mounting block 27 includes an internal cavity in which a movable part 25 is disposed along a principal axis Z of the mounting block 27, orthogonal to the principal axis X of the beverage preparation accessory 3. The movable part 25 is returned by an elastic element 26 to an extended position in which a larger portion of the movable part 25 extends out of the internal cavity of the mounting block 27 than in a retracted position of the movable part. The beverage dispenser 2, as shown in [Fig. 7B], includes a female mounting device 15' provided with a cavity complementary to the male mounting device 14'. The complementary cavity has a shape complementary to that of the mounting block 27.A blind orifice opens into the complementary cavity and extends in line with it, the blind orifice allowing the movable part 25 to come into position in the deployed position once the fixing block 27 is coupled to the complementary cavity.

[0100] According to one embodiment, two movable parts 25 are housed in the fixing block 27. Two separate blind openings then lead to the complementary cavity of the female fixing device 15', each receiving a movable part in its deployed position. The movable parts are, for example, returned to their deployed position by a single elastic element 26 extending within the internal cavity of the fixing block 27, between the two movable parts 25. Alternatively, each movable part 25 is actuated by an elastic element 26, the internal cavity of the fixing block 27 comprising a central wall to which one end of each of the two elastic elements 26 is attached. The two movable parts 25 move along the same axis, but in opposite directions, thus enabling secure attachment of the male fixing device 14' in the female fixing device 15' on either side of the fixing block 27.

[0101] According to another embodiment not shown, the accessory 3 is designed to be coupled to the distributor 2 by means of a bayonet-type fitting, not shown in the figures. The male fastening device is then disposed on the inlet end 11 of the accessory, or possibly on the cover 5, and comprises two protruding rods, preferably diametrically opposed with respect to the inlet orifice 67. Each rod is adapted to be received in an L-shaped orifice of the female fastening device located on the wall 24 surrounding the liquid dispensing nozzle 9. The coupling of the accessory 3 to the distributor 2 is then accomplished in two steps, by a first axial translation of the accessory 3 towards the wall 24 surrounding the nozzle 9, along the principal axis X of the accessory 3, so as to house the rods in the first arm of the L formed by the orifices of the female fastening device, then by rotating the accessory 3 around its main axis X, so as to house the rods in the second branch of the L formed by the orifices of the female fixing device.

[0102] Modular kit for beverage preparation accessory

[0103] As shown in [Fig. 8], the beverage preparation accessory 3 can make part of a kit, which advantageously allows for the optimal preparation of several types of beverage. An upper edge 40 of the accessory 3 delimits the inlet end 11.

[0104] In addition to the accessory 3, the kit includes a coffee preparation module 31, configured to be inserted into the accessory 3 through the inlet orifice 67, so as to extend above the filter wall 42, and at least partially into the main chamber 10. The coffee preparation module 31 includes a filtration element, which includes an outer wall 33. The outer wall delimits a ground coffee receiving chamber 34, into which a user can place ground coffee intended to be brewed by hot water from the liquid dispensing nozzle 9, in order to form coffee which flows through filtration orifices in the outer wall 33, the coffee then occupying the main chamber 10.

[0105] In a mounted position of the coffee preparation module 31, the ground coffee receiving chamber 34 is at least partially received into the main chamber. Preferably, in this mounted position, the entire coffee preparation module 31 extends below the inlet orifice 67, so as to allow the cover 5 to be placed over the inlet orifice 67 even when the coffee preparation module 31 is mounted on the accessory 3. In other words, the entire preparation module 31 then extends into the main chamber 10.

[0106] The filter element of the coffee preparation module 31 includes an upper rim 39. The filter element of the coffee preparation module 31 also preferably includes an internal flare 38 such that the outer wall 33 of the filter element is closer to the principal axis X of the accessory 3 than the upper rim 39. The upper rim 39 is configured to cooperate with the upper edge 40 of the accessory 3 so as to ensure that the coffee preparation module 31 is held within the accessory 3. In the case where the preparation module 31 extends entirely into the main chamber, the upper edge 40 of the accessory has a height - defined along the principal axis X of the accessory - greater than a height of the upper rim 39 of the filter element.

[0107] The kit also includes, according to a preferred embodiment, a dispersion module 32. The dispersion module 32 is configured to be removable and positioned within the coffee preparation module 31. The dispersion module 32 is intended to be positioned above the ground coffee receiving chamber. 34. The dispersion module 32 includes an outer edge 37 designed to cooperate with the inner shoulder 38 of the filtering element of the coffee preparation module 31, so as to assemble the dispersion module 32 with the coffee preparation module 31. When the dispersion module 32 is mounted in the coffee preparation module 31, which is itself mounted in the beverage preparation accessory 3, the outer edge 37 of the dispersion module 32 is closer to the principal axis X of the accessory 3 than the upper edge 39 of the coffee preparation module 31. Preferably, the outer edge 37 of the dispersion module 32 does not protrude beyond the outer edge 39 of the coffee preparation module 31 along the principal axis X, so that the cover 5 can also cooperate with the upper edge 39 and cover the dispersion module 32.

[0108] The dispersion module 32 comprises a base 35 provided with a plurality of filtration holes. In the mounted position, the base of the dispersion module 32 is located opposite the ground coffee receiving chamber 34. The dispersion module 32 disperses the hot liquid from the liquid distribution nozzle 9, and possibly having passed through the liquid passage 6 in the cover 5, so that liquid can come into contact with the ground coffee in a manner distributed over substantially the entire upper surface of the grounds. This ensures that the grounds are uniformly infused, so as to optimally extract the coffee aromas and avoid wasting grounds.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the bottom 35 of the dispersion module 32 is convex, that is to say, in the mounted position in the accessory 3, a center of the bottom 35 extends away from the main chamber 10 along the principal axis X with respect to a portion of the bottom which is in contact with the outer edge 37 of the dispersion module 32. Such a convex shape allows the liquid from the liquid distribution nozzle 9, which is distributed substantially opposite the center of the bottom 35, to flow by the effect of gravity over the entire bottom 35 so as to better disperse the hot liquid on the grind.

[0110] The dispersing module 32 includes a gripping portion to facilitate its removal from the coffee preparation module 31. In particular, the dispersing module 32 includes a recess 41, preferably two opposing recesses 41 along a diameter of the dispersing module 32. The recesses 41 are formed in the outer edge 37. Preferably, the recesses 41 are also formed in the base 35, i.e., the base 35 does not extend beyond the recesses 41 relative to the center of the base 35. Optionally, the recesses 41 are provided with support portions 73 allowing the user's finger to rest against the recesses 41 when grasping the dispersing module 32 at the level of the recesses 41.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the removable cover 5 and the dispersion module 32 are combined into a single piece, for example by ultrasonic welding, so as to simplify the use of the accessory 3. Reception tray attachment system

[0112] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the beverage dispenser 2 may include a receiving tray 53, in particular circular and configured to allow a container to be placed opposite the liquid dispensing nozzle 9 in order to dispense liquid into the container. The receiving tray 53 is configured to be removably coupled to the mounting wall 46 of the housing 13. The receiving tray 53 includes a hook 54 for insertion into a through-hole 56. The receiving tray 53 includes a drip-receiving portion 65 defining an internal cavity suitable for receiving drips, for example, in the event of an overflow from the container or in the event of accidental dispensing of liquid by the user from the nozzle 9 when no container is placed on the receiving tray 53.The receiving platform 53 further includes a container support surface 66, which can be removably positioned on the drip-receiving portion 65 so as to preferably partially obstruct the inner cavity. The receiving platform 66 is mesh-covered or includes openings sized to allow stable placement of the container while permitting drops to pass into the drip-receiving portion 65. The receiving platform 66 and / or the drip-receiving portion 65 are made of polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The receiving platform is configured to support containers up to 1 kg. The drip-receiving portion 65 can preferably hold between 50 and 80 mL of liquid.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the receiving tray 53 comprises two hooks 54 arranged at different positions along a circumference of the drip-receiving portion 65. In order to accommodate the two hooks 54, the hook wall 46 includes not only a through-hook 56 but also an additional through-hook 56 arranged at the same height as the through-hook 56 and in a separate position, in a horizontal direction when the dispenser 2 rests on a support surface. The use of two separate hooks 54 improves the stability of the receiving tray 53. The hooks 54 and the through-hook 56 have a diameter between 4 and 6 millimeters.

[0114] The through-gripping holes 56 extend through the gripping wall 46 over its entire thickness, from an external surface of the gripping wall 46 to an internal surface of the gripping wall 46, thus opening onto an internal volume of the housing 13 defined between an internal surface of the gripping wall 46 and the other walls of the housing 13.

[0115] The hook wall 46 preferably includes through hook holes 56 at different heights, either in one row when the receiving platform 53 includes a single hook 54, or in two separate rows when the receiving platform 53 includes two hooks 54. The container can thus be positioned at an appropriate height relative to the liquid distribution nozzle 9, depending on the height of the container itself, in order to avoid splashing.

[0116] The beverage dispenser 2 includes a sealing element 55, shown in Figures 11A-11B. The sealing element 55 is configured to be held in contact with the inner surface of the gripping wall 46, and ensures a seal between the internal volume of the housing 13 and the outside of the housing 13. The presence of the sealing element 55 allows for several through-gripping holes 56 at different heights of the gripping wall 46, so as to adapt the position of the gripping plate 46 according to the height of the container used, without compromising the seal of the internal volume of the housing 13. Indeed, this internal volume contains numerous electronic components that could be damaged by the intrusion of liquid or air from the outside into the internal volume through the through-gripping holes 56.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the sealing element 55 comprises a sealing plate 57. The sealing plate is suitable for being positioned opposite the inner surface of the wall attachment 46. The sealing plate 57 has a height that is greater than a maximum height between two through-hanging holes 56, so that the sealing plate 57 extends opposite all the through-hanging holes 56. The height of the sealing plate 57 may be slightly greater than the maximum height Hm between two through-hanging holes 56, so as to prevent air from entering above or below the sealing plate, as air could bypass the plate 57 if its upper and / or lower ends are close to the height of the through-hanging holes 56.For example, the height of the sealing plate 57 is greater than 1.10 times the maximum height Hm, preferably greater than 1.20 times the maximum height Hm.

[0118] The sealing plate 57 thus not only prevents the passage of fluid flow into the internal volume of the housing 13, but also, because it extends in relation to all the through-mounting holes 56, ensures a seal between one through-mounting hole 56 and all the other through-mounting holes 56. The sealing plate 57 thus provides a greater seal than a component comprising several disjointed portions, each in relation to only one hole 56 or to a number of holes 56 not including all the holes 56.

[0119] The gripping wall 46 and the sealing plate 57 have a concave shape. In order to allow the tray to be positioned as close as possible to the gripping wall 46, the gripping wall 46 and the sealing plate 57 are not straight, but are configured to conform to the shape of a rear portion of the receiving tray 53. This facilitates the user's centering of the container with respect to the liquid dispensing nozzle 9, allowing the user to bring the container against the gripping wall 46, with the container in this position substantially opposite the nozzle 9. The non-straight shape of the gripping wall 46 prevents accidental horizontal displacement of the container. A straight gripping wall does not allow for such centering, since the user could inadvertently shift the container horizontally without it abutting the gripping wall 46.

[0120] The sealing element 55 is held fixed relative to the inner surface of the mounting wall 46. This prevents unintentional displacement of the sealing element 55, for example, due to improper handling of the distributor 2 by a user. The sealing of the through-mounting holes 56 is thus improved. The sealing element 55 is, in particular, screwed to the inner surface of the mounting wall 46, preferably at a plurality of different heights.

[0121] The sealing element 55, and in particular the sealing plate 57, preferentially extends at least partially away from the inner surface of the mounting wall 46. This prevents moisture from accumulating between the sealing element 55, in particular the sealing plate 57, and the inner surface of the mounting wall 46. In addition, this facilitates decoupling of the sealing element 55 and the housing 13.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the sealing element 55 comprises the sealing plate 57 and two end edges 58, each extending from one end of the sealing plate so as not to be parallel to the sealing plate 57 or, where the sealing plate is not straight, so that each end edge 58 is not in line with the corresponding end of the sealing plate 57. The end edges 58 make it possible to keep the sealing plate 57 away from the inner surface of the anchoring wall 46, while ensuring contact of the sealing element 55 with the inner surface of the anchoring wall 46, thus improving the sealing provided by the sealing element. Preferably, at least one end edge 58, or even both end edges 58, is / are provided with a sealing gasket intended to come into contact with the internal surface of the attachment wall 46.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the housing 13 of the beverage dispenser 2 comprises, projecting from the inner surface of the mounting wall 46, slides provided for The sealing plate is held at a distance from the inner surface of the retaining wall 46 while ensuring contact between the end edges 58 and the inner surface of the retaining wall 46. Each slide comprises a first portion 60 intended to contact an end edge 58 and a second portion 61 which does not extend parallel to the first portion 60, but which contacts one end of the sealing plate. The slides advantageously allow the sealing element 55 to be inserted or withdrawn so as to selectively align with the through-retaining mounting holes 56.

[0124] When the attachment wall 46 comprises two rows of through-hanging holes 56, the sealing element 55 comprises, according to one embodiment, containment edges 59. Each containment edge extends projecting from the sealing plate 57, substantially parallel to one of the end edges 58, but at a distance from it along the sealing plate 57. In any event, each containment edge 59 extends at a distance from the corresponding end edge 58 sufficient so that the containment edge 59 and the end edge 58 define between them a containment compartment 62 extending opposite the through-hanging holes 56 of a row over the entire surface of said through-hanging holes 56.The containment compartments 62 provide improved sealing of the sealing element 55 by confining a fluid flow passing through the attachment orifice 56, thus constituting a first barrier to contamination of the internal volume by the flow, the remainder of the sealing plate 57 constituting a second barrier capable of retaining the flow. Each containment edge 59 is therefore in contact with the internal surface of the attachment wall 46. According to one embodiment, the containment edges 59 are provided with sealing gaskets intended to come into contact with the internal surface of the attachment wall 46, either in addition to, or as replacements for, the sealing gaskets of the end edges 58.

[0125] According to certain embodiments, the sealing element 55 comprises containment edges 59 as described above, as well as upper connecting edges 63 projecting from an upper end of the sealing plate 57 and connecting an end edge 58 and a corresponding containment edge 59. The upper connecting edges 63 may, in particular, be aligned with one another and extend beyond the containment edges 59 over the entire upper end of the sealing plate 57 (as shown in [Fig. 1 IA]), but may alternatively extend only along the upper part of the containment compartments 62. The upper connecting edges 63 prevent fluid flow from bypassing the sealing plate 57 at its upper end and entering the internal volume.

[0126] Similarly, according to certain embodiments, the sealing element 55 comprises containment edges 59 as described above, as well as lower connecting edges (not shown) projecting from a lower end of the sealing plate 57 and connecting an end edge 58 and a corresponding containment edge 59. The lower connecting edges may, in particular, be aligned with one another and extend beyond the containment edges 59 over the entire lower end of the sealing plate 57, but may alternatively extend only along the lower part of the containment compartments 62. The lower connecting edges prevent fluid flow from bypassing the sealing plate 57 at its lower end and entering the internal volume.This is particularly advantageous when the sealing plate 57 is not intended to extend to a bottom wall of the beverage dispenser 2.

Claims

Demands

1. A beverage preparation kit comprising a beverage preparation accessory (3) configured to be attached to a beverage dispenser (2), the beverage preparation accessory (3) having an inlet end (11), an outlet end (12) and a main chamber (10) extending between the inlet end (11) and the outlet end (12), wherein the inlet end (11) includes an inlet port (67) for filling the main chamber (10) with liquid, and wherein the outlet end (12) includes an outlet opening (29) provided with a valve (30) for selectively allowing the flow of liquid contained in the main chamber (10) to the outside, the kit further comprising a coffee preparation module (31) configured to be removably mounted on the beverage preparation accessory (3) through the inlet port (67),the coffee preparation module (31) comprising a filtration element including an outer wall (33), in which the outer wall delimits a ground coffee receiving chamber (34) and is provided with filtration orifices, the ground coffee receiving chamber (34) being at least partially received into the main chamber (10) in a mounted position of the coffee preparation module (31) on the beverage preparation accessory (3).

2. Kit for preparing a beverage according to claim 1, wherein the coffee preparation module (31) extends, in the mounted position of the coffee preparation module (31) on the beverage preparation accessory (3), only inside the main chamber (10).

3. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the coffee preparation module (31) further comprises a dispersion module (32) intended to be positioned above the ground coffee receiving chamber (34), the dispersion module (32) being intended to disperse the liquid entering the coffee preparation module (31).

4. Kit for preparing a beverage according to claim 3, wherein the dispersion module (32) comprises a base (35) provided with a plurality of filtration holes, the base being intended to be positioned opposite the grinding receiving chamber (34).

5. Kit for preparing a beverage according to claim 4, wherein the bottom (35) of the dispersion module (32) has a convex shape.

6. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the dispersion module (32) includes an outer edge (37) adapted to cooperate with an inner shoulder (38) of the filtering element to assemble the dispersion module (32) to the filtering element.

7. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the dispersion module (32) comprises at least one gripping portion, the gripping portion preferably being formed by two recesses (41) provided in an outer edge (37) of the dispersion module (32).

8. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filtering element includes a clean upper rim (39), when the coffee preparation module (31) is in the mounted position on the beverage preparation accessory (3), to cooperate with an upper edge (40) of the beverage preparation accessory delimiting the inlet end (11) so as to permit assembly by superimposing the coffee preparation module (31) onto the beverage preparation accessory (3).

9. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the beverage preparation accessory (3) comprises a filter wall (42) positioned in the lower part of the main chamber (10) near the outlet end (12), preferably a removable filter wall and / or comprising stainless steel.

10. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a removable lid (5) intended to be positioned at the inlet end to close the beverage preparation accessory (3), the removable lid (5) having a liquid passage orifice (6).

11. Kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the beverage preparation accessory (3) is provided with a gripping handle (36).

12. Kit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the valve (30) of the outlet end (12) comprises a ball (43) with a diameter greater than a diameter of the outlet opening (29) and an actuator (44) configured to move the ball (43) away from the outlet opening when pressure is exerted on a push button (45) mechanically connected to the actuator (44), the ball (43) being configured to close the outlet opening (29) under the effect of its own weight when no pressure is exerted on the push button (45).

13. Beverage dispensing system comprising: a kit for preparing a beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a beverage dispenser (2) equipped with an instant water heater, a housing (13) and a liquid dispensing nozzle (9), in which the beverage preparation accessory (3) includes a male fastening device (14, 14') complementary to a female fastening device (15, 15') disposed on a hook wall (46) of the housing of the beverage dispenser.

14. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the inlet orifice (67) is intended to be positioned opposite the liquid dispensing nozzle (9) when the male fastening device (14, 14') cooperates with the female fastening device (15, 15').

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