Beverage preparation machine having a machine housing and a removable liquid tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) that is more compact and easier to replenish with liquid, such as water. The beverage preparation machine includes a machine housing (2) that encloses machine functional elements (6) including at least a beverage extraction chamber, and a liquid tank (7) that is removably arranged to move along a movement axis so that it is fully functionally inserted into the machine housing at an insertion position, allowing liquid to be delivered from the liquid tank to the beverage extraction chamber and mixed with beverage ingredients contained in the beverage extraction chamber to prepare a beverage. The machine housing includes a first opening (51) and a second opening (41) located on opposing walls (4, 5) thereof. When the liquid tank is in the insertion position, the first opening is arranged to expose a portion of the liquid tank. Pressing the exposed portion of the liquid tank moves the liquid tank from the insertion position through the second opening along the movement axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine for preparing beverages, comprising a machine housing and a detachable liquid tank.

Background Art

[0002] Beverage preparation machines are used to prepare beverages such as coffee. A beverage preparation machine comprises a machine housing and a removably arranged liquid tank, for example a water tank. The liquid tank is used to refill the beverage preparation machine with the liquid necessary for preparing the beverage, for example water. That is, the liquid tank can be removed, and thus, with the liquid tank removed, the liquid from an external liquid source, for example water from a faucet, can be refilled into the liquid tank. Subsequently, the liquid tank is reinstalled in the beverage preparation machine for preparing a specific number of cups of beverage, which number corresponds to the liquid contained in the liquid tank.

[0003] At the attachment position of the liquid tank, the liquid tank is arranged outside the machine housing, for example positioned on or against the outer wall of the machine housing. As a result, the beverage preparation machine requires a lot of space.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to move the liquid tank at least to the attachment position, the liquid tank needs to be handled along different directions, especially with respect to the horizontal and vertical axes. These axes may respectively correspond to the width, depth, and height of the machine. However, handling the liquid tank along different directions is not very convenient. In addition, the liquid tank is provided with a dedicated handling structure such as a handle to reliably move the liquid tank to the attachment position. However, providing such a handling structure on the liquid tank also results in a complex and thus cost-intensive design of the beverage preparation machine.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation machine that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation machine that is particularly more compact and allows easier replenishment of a liquid such as water to the beverage preparation machine.

[0006] These objects, and other objects that will become apparent by reading the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage. The beverage preparation machine includes a machine housing for surrounding machine functional elements including at least a liquid circulation pipe, a liquid pump, a liquid heater, and a beverage extraction chamber, and , shift is detachably mounted so as to move along a moving axis structure to , at the insertion position, the liquid pump of such that for liquid can be delivered from a liquid tank through a liquid circulation pipe and a liquid heater to a beverage extraction chamber, and the liquid can be mixed with beverage raw materials accommodated in the beverage extraction chamber to prepare a beverage. so as to be completely inserted into the machine housing, a liquid tank (i.e., a removable or detachable liquid tank) . The machine housing includes a first opening and a second opening located in opposite wall portions of the machine housing. When the liquid tank is in the insertion position, the openings are arranged to expose a part of the liquid tank, structure and , liquid press the exposed portion of the body tank if the liquid tank is to move along the moving axis from the insertion position and the first and move (specifically, slide) through the two openings. is like this .

[0008] Specifically, therefore, by simply pushing the liquid tank directly, it is very easy to handle the movement of the liquid tank to and from the insertion position. The above-mentioned pushing can result in a sliding movement of the liquid tank along the movement axis. The handling of the liquid tank is thus particularly advantageous with respect to the convenience of use and the simplicity of the structure. That is, the liquid tank does not require a dedicated handling structure or handling device such as a handle, a depression, a notch, a groove, etc. for selectively moving the liquid tank to or from the insertion position. Further, for example, it is possible to access the liquid tank from two (lateral) sides of the machine housing or the two sides of the beverage preparation machine that face each other. Thus, the liquid tank is simply pushed out from the side where it is removed (i.e., moved from the insertion position, for example, towards the removed state of the liquid tank), and pushed into from each of the other sides where it is inserted (i.e., moved to the insertion position).

[0009] Furthermore, by arranging the liquid tank at least partially inside the machine housing, which is specifically dedicated to the machine functional elements of the beverage preparation machine, it results in the liquid tank being able to be arranged without requiring much space, and thus makes the beverage preparation machine more compact. This is specifically because there is no need to arrange the liquid tank outside the machine housing. For example, the liquid tank may be arranged at least partially at the center of the machine housing. In addition, the machine housing does not require an additional part (for example, a lid) to accommodate the liquid tank. Also, the arrangement of the liquid tank facilitates, in terms of design, the more flexible arrangement of the machine functional elements of the beverage preparation machine with respect to the liquid tank.

[0010] In other words, for example, when a liquid tank, such as a water tank, is in a functionally predetermined position within a beverage preparation machine, its volume is completely contained within the housing without protruding from the housing and traverses the housing from one wall (portion) of the housing to the opposite wall (portion). Since the liquid tank traverses the housing, the liquid tank does not require any handling tools or means for being inserted into or removed from the machine.

[0011] According to the present invention, when the liquid tank is functionally inserted within a beverage preparation machine, the liquid tank is simply pushed by hand on one side to initiate its extraction from the housing and then grasped and completely removed from the housing through the other wall, for example, the extraction wall (portion). For insertion into the beverage preparation machine, the liquid tank is inserted into one wall of the beverage preparation machine (i.e., into one of the wall portions), preferably through the extraction wall, so as to return to its initial position, whereby its volume is completely contained within the machine housing.

[0012] Therefore, the openings are arranged opposite to each other. For this reason, the movement axis extends through both openings, whereby the liquid tank is movable along the movement axis through the second opening.

[0013] For example, the first wall portion of the wall portions includes the first opening, and the second wall portion of the wall portions includes the second opening. The wall portions may be side wall portions. For example, one of the side wall portions, for example, the first wall portion, corresponds to the left wall portion or the right wall portion when viewed towards the front or the dispensing side of the beverage preparation machine. Another one of the side wall portions, for example, the second wall portion, may then correspond to the right wall portion or the left wall portion.

[0014] When the beverage preparation machine is arranged to prepare a beverage, the moving axis preferably extends parallel to the horizontal plane. In other words, the moving axis may extend laterally, or along the transverse axis or horizontal axis of the machine. Thus, substantially no gravity is used to move the liquid tank to the insertion position, facilitating and ensuring the filling of the liquid tank into the beverage preparation machine. That is, by simply pushing the liquid tank, the liquid tank can be moved to and from the insertion position. Alternatively, the moving axis may extend (slightly) obliquely to the horizontal plane when the beverage preparation machine is arranged to prepare a beverage. A (slight) inclination of the moving axis with respect to the horizontal plane, such as an angle in the range of 5° to 10°, may be advantageous for using a (slight) proportion of gravity to move the liquid tank to the insertion position, while still having the reliability and ease of filling the liquid tank into the machine.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, when the liquid tank is in the insertion position, the liquid tank does not protrude from the machine housing. In other words, the liquid tank is preferably completely arranged within the machine housing. This is particularly advantageous since the machine housing does not require additional means such as a lid to receive and conceal the liquid tank within the machine housing. Preferably, the machine housing includes a width, and when the liquid tank is in the insertion position, the liquid tank extends along (the entire) width or crosses (the entire) width. Thus, the beverage preparation machine is not only compact and easy to handle, but also configured to accommodate a large amount of liquid.

[0016] The liquid tank may comprise one or more side ends, at least one of which is at least partially coplanar with the machine housing (e.g., with each of one of the wall portions) when the liquid tank is in the insertion position. For example, one of the side ends of the liquid tank includes an exposed portion. Thus, a beverage preparation machine is provided that is very compact and at the same time has an attractive design. Further, the "accessible side" of the liquid tank formed by the one or more side ends is flush with the rest of the machine housing when the liquid tank is inserted into the rest of the machine housing, i.e., when the liquid tank is in the insertion position. This provides not only compactness but also ease of cleaning.

[0017] The machine housing may comprise a front part and a rear part. The front part of the machine housing is typically arranged on the dispensing side of the beverage preparation machine. The liquid tank is preferably arranged to be inclined (i.e., tilted) towards the rear part of the machine housing when the liquid tank is in the insertion position. This inclined arrangement of the liquid tank allows it to be arranged in a very compact manner, for example, at least a part of the machine functional elements of the beverage preparation machine can be arranged within the space formed by the above inclination of the liquid tank.

[0018] The machine housing preferably comprises a channel that is at least partially arranged inside the machine housing to receive the liquid tank. Thus, the liquid tank can be received firmly and in a compact manner inside the channel, and thus inside the machine housing, and also, in the case where it exists, with respect to the machine functional elements of the beverage preparation machine.

[0019] The channel is preferably adapted to define a movement axis, for example by providing dedicated guiding elements. Thus, the liquid tank can be moved very easily along the movement axis into and out of the insertion position.

[0020] The channel may be formed at least partially complementarily with respect to at least a part of the liquid tank. For example, the channel includes side wall portions (e.g., having a concave shape), and the liquid tank includes side wall portions formed complementarily to the side wall portions of the channel (e.g., having a convex shape). Accordingly, the channel reliably receives the liquid tank.

[0021] The beverage preparation machine can include a first connector disposed at least partially within the machine housing and a second connector disposed at least partially on the liquid tank. At the insertion position of the liquid tank, the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other to deliver liquid from the liquid tank for preparing a beverage. In other words, the connectors provide a (fluid) connection. The first connector includes a distal end having a connection opening. Accordingly, when liquid is supplied from the liquid tank, the liquid flows through this connection opening. The first connector is arranged such that the connection opening opens along a direction parallel to the movement axis (e.g., the insertion direction for connecting the connectors to each other). In other words, the connection opening may face the second opening. Therefore, by simply moving the liquid tank along the movement axis, the connectors can be connected to each other. Accordingly, the insertion position, and thus the fluid connection of the liquid tank, can be achieved very easily.

[0022] The first connector and / or the second connector may include one or more sealing elements, for example one or more radial sealing elements (radial seal elements), and the one or more sealing elements are arranged to cooperate with the respective other connector to connect the connectors to each other without a gap (i.e., to seal-engage) when the liquid tank is in the insertion position. In other words, the connection provided by the connectors is a fluid-tight connection. Accordingly, a fluid-tight connection between the connectors is easily achieved.

[0023] The second connector may comprise a valve configured to move between a closed position and an open position, and when the liquid tank is moved to the insertion position, the first connector is arranged to move the valve to the open position to connect the first connector to the second connector and deliver liquid from the liquid tank. In other words, the valve facilitates preventing liquid from exiting the liquid tank through the second connector when the liquid tank is in a removed state. The particular arrangement of the connectors at the insertion position of the liquid tank facilitates the valve being only in its open position when the liquid tank is in the insertion position.

[0024] The second connector may comprise a socket for receiving at least a portion of the first connector, and one or more sealing elements are disposed on the socket (i.e., on and / or within the socket). In this way, one or more sealing elements are disposed to provide a very effective seal. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing seat on which the valve is located when the valve is in the closed position may be disposed on the socket (i.e., on and / or within the socket). Thus, the valve is located on the sealing seat and in cooperation with the sealing seat, such that in the closed position of the valve, liquid cannot flow through the second connector. In this way, the valve can be very easily engaged with at least a portion of the first connector.

[0025] The socket may comprise a socket opening, at least a part of the first connector being able to enter the socket through the socket opening and be received by the socket, the sealing seat being further away from the socket opening than one or more sealing elements. In other words, a first distance between the socket opening and the sealing seat is greater than a second distance between the socket opening and one or more sealing elements. Thus, when the liquid tank is moved to the insertion position, the first connector first engages sealingly with one or more sealing elements and then contacts the valve to move the valve to the open position. Therefore, one or more sealing elements provide a seal (i.e., a preliminary seal) before the valve of the second connector reaches the open position. This results in a very good seal and prevents liquid from flowing towards parts of the machine other than inside the first fluid connector, at any position of the liquid tank within the machine housing (especially positions close to the insertion position).

[0026] The liquid tank may comprise a transparent part and an opaque part. The transparent part may be arranged such that a user can easily see the filling level of the liquid contained in the liquid tank through the transparent part. The opaque part is arranged to block the view to one or more parts arranged inside the machine housing when the liquid tank is in the insertion position and is viewed at least along the movement axis, preferably along one or more axes oblique to the movement axis. These one or more parts may include, for example, the first connector and / or the second connector. Thus, one or more parts arranged inside the machine housing are obscured or hidden without the need for additional parts such as machine housing components or covers. For example, only a specific purpose part of the transparent liquid tank may be made opaque (e.g., by applying a coating) to provide the opaque part of the liquid tank.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the (plural) machine functional elements configured to prepare a beverage are arranged within the machine housing. The machine functional elements may include one or more of an extraction chamber, an extraction unit, a liquid heater, a control unit, a liquid pump, a capsule holder, one or more liquid flow pipes, electronics, and combinations thereof.

[0028] At least some or all of the machine functional elements may extend into the space, and when the liquid tank is in the insertion position, the liquid tank is at least partially arranged inside the space. This arrangement of the liquid tank results in the liquid tank being able to be arranged without requiring much space, and thus makes the beverage preparation machine more compact.

[0029] The machine functional elements may be arranged around a movement axis. Additionally or alternatively, when viewed along and / or perpendicular to the movement axis, at least a part of the movement axis and / or the liquid tank may be arranged between two of the machine functional elements at the insertion position of the liquid tank. Thus, a very compact arrangement of the machine functional elements is achieved with respect to the movement axis and / or the liquid tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in the description of the presently preferred embodiments set forth below with reference to the drawings and will become apparent from this description. [Figure 1] It is a schematic side view of a beverage preparation machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic front view of a general beverage preparation machine according to FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] It is a schematic perspective view of a beverage preparation machine according to a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 3B] It is a schematic side view of the machine of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] It is a schematic side view of the machine of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3D] It is a view of the machine of FIGS. 3A to 3C with the liquid tank placed on the side. [Figure 4A] They are different views of a preferred detachable liquid tank. [Figure 4B] They are different views of a preferred detachable liquid tank. [Figure 4C] They are different views of a preferred detachable liquid tank. [Figure 4D] They are different views of a preferred detachable liquid tank. [Figure 4E] They are different views of a preferred detachable liquid tank. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage preparation machine according to a preferred embodiment in which the liquid tank has been removed from the machine housing (i.e., in a state where the liquid tank has been removed). [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation machine shown in FIG. 5 in which the liquid tank is partially inserted (at an intermediate position of the liquid tank) into the machine housing. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation machine shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in which the liquid tank is in the insertion position. [Figure 8] It is a schematic detailed view of FIG. 7 showing the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The drawings exemplarily show a preferred embodiment of a beverage preparation machine 1 according to the present invention. The beverage preparation machine 1 is configured to prepare a beverage. The beverage may be, for example, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and / or any other beverage or drink. The beverage may be a cold or hot beverage. The beverage preparation machine 1 may be configured to prepare a beverage from a container or a capsule. The capsule (or container) usually contains raw materials (for beverage extraction) for preparing a beverage, such as ground coffee and / or chocolate and / or powdered milk. The beverage preparation machine 1 is not limited to any particular design. Preferably, the beverage preparation machine 1 is designed for use in a home, such as in a kitchen. The beverage preparation machine 1 may have a design suitable for placement on a tabletop or the like.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beverage preparation machine 1 comprises a machine housing 2 (i.e., a machine casing) for surrounding the machine functional elements 6. The housing 2 is not limited to a particular shape. The machine housing 2 particularly includes a bottom and an upper part. The bottom of the machine housing 2 enables the beverage preparation machine 1 to be placed in a position where the beverage preparation machine 1 can prepare a beverage. The machine housing 2 can comprise a front part (see, for example, FIG. 2). The front part of the machine housing 2 typically corresponds to the dispensing side of the beverage preparation machine 1. The "dispensing side" should be understood broadly and is not particularly limited to a specific form. The dispensing side may be the side of the beverage preparation machine 1 where the beverage is dispensed and / or where the user inputs one or more user requests (e.g., via a user interface) into the beverage preparation machine 1. The front part of the machine housing 2, or the dispensing side of the beverage preparation machine 1, can comprise a support 3 on which a container, such as a cup, can be placed so that the beverage preparation machine 1 can dispense the beverage into the container. The support 3 can be configured to receive the liquid (e.g., residual liquid) dispensed by the beverage preparation machine 1. The (residual) liquid can then flow into a dedicated, preferably removable container for collecting the (residual) liquid. The support 3 may comprise a tray, such as a drip tray.

[0033] The machine housing 2 may include a rear part. The rear part is arranged on the side opposite to the front part. The rear part of the machine housing 2 can be provided with connection means such as a power plug for supplying energy or power to the beverage preparation machine 1, for example. The machine housing 2 can include one or more side parts, for example a left side part and a right side part. When viewed towards the front of the machine housing 2, the one or more side parts are arranged laterally with respect to the machine housing 2, for example on the left side or the right side. The "side part" should be understood broadly and is not particularly limited to a specific form. The one or more side parts may be arranged between the bottom and the top of the machine housing 2 and / or between the front part and the rear part of the machine housing 2.

[0034] The machine housing 2 may comprise a wall (e.g., a side wall) portion 4 (also referred to as the "second wall portion"), and the wall portion 4 is optionally a side wall portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the side wall portion 4 is arranged in a lateral direction with respect to the machine housing 2, for example, at a side portion such as the right side of the machine housing 2. The wall portion 4 is not limited to a specific form. In a cross-sectional view, the wall portion 4 may have a linear and / or arcuate form. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall portion 4 may be arranged between the bottom and the top of the machine housing 2 when viewed in a side view of the machine housing 2 or the beverage preparation machine 1, that is, when viewed along the transverse axis or the cross-sectional axis of the beverage preparation machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the machine housing 2 comprises a (further) wall (e.g., a side wall) portion 5 (also referred to as the "first wall portion") arranged opposite to the wall portion 4. The wall portion 4 is optionally a side wall portion. The further side wall portion 5 is arranged in a lateral direction with respect to the machine housing 2, at a side portion of the machine housing 2, for example, the left side of the machine housing 2 as shown in FIG. 2. Similar to the wall portion 4, the further wall portion 5 is not limited to a specific form. In a cross-sectional view, the further wall portion 5 may have a linear and / or arcuate form. The further wall portion 5 may be arranged between the bottom and the top of the machine housing 2 when viewed in a side view of the machine housing 2. The wall portions 4 and 5 can define the boundaries of spaces dedicated to a plurality of machine functional elements, as will be further described below. The machine housing 2 may consist of the wall portions 4 and 5.

[0035] Therefore, the beverage preparation machine 1 and / or the machine housing 2 can have a longitudinal (front) axis, a transverse (side or width) axis, and / or a vertical (height) axis. The longitudinal axis extends from the front to the rear of the machine housing 2, the transverse axis extends from a side portion (e.g., the left side) to another side portion (e.g., the right side) of the machine housing 2, and the vertical axis extends from the bottom to the top of the machine housing 2.

[0036] The beverage preparation machine 1 can comprise a plurality of machine functional elements 6 configured to prepare a beverage. Thus, each of the machine functional elements 6 is a functional component or element configured to perform a respective function (e.g., heating, liquid conveyance, liquid movement, control) for preparing a beverage. The plurality of machine functional elements 6 are arranged within the machine housing 2, preferably within the space 60 of the machine housing 2, which is indicated by a dashed line in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A. Thus, the housing 2 and preferably the above-mentioned space 60 accommodate or surround the plurality of machine functional elements. The "space" of the machine housing 2 should be understood as the space or volume in which the plurality of machine functional elements arranged within the machine housing 2 extend. In other words, the space 60 corresponds to a virtual single shell surrounding the plurality of machine functional elements 6 such that only the machine functional elements 6 extend into the volume delimited by the shell. For example, two machine functional elements extend into the space extending from at least one of the machine functional elements 6 to another one of the machine functional elements 6. For example, when a third machine functional element is provided, the space extends not only between the two machine functional elements but also towards the third machine functional element. In FIG. 1, it is exemplarily shown how the space 60 extends to the machine functional elements 61 to 65.

[0037] Preferably, the wall part 4 and preferably a further wall part 5 are configured to cover at least a part of the plurality of machine functional elements 6. For example, the plurality of machine functional elements 6 are arranged within the space defined by the wall parts 4, 5. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine functional elements 6 are covered by the machine housing 2, i.e., at least by the wall part 4 and preferably also by a further wall part 5, and are thus indicated by a dashed line. At least a part of the machine functional elements 6 are arranged adjacent to each other and / or one or more of the machine functional elements 6 are arranged between at least two of the machine functional elements 6. For example, a part of the machine functional elements 6 is arranged at the lower part of the beverage preparation machine 1 and another part of the machine functional elements 6 is arranged at the upper part of the beverage preparation machine 1.

[0038] The machine functional element 6 may comprise one or more of the following machine functional elements, namely, a beverage extraction chamber, an extraction unit, a liquid heater, a liquid pump, a capsule holder, a control unit, one or more pipes (i.e., one or more liquid flow pipes or lines), electronic devices, and combinations thereof. For example, the pump may be configured to deliver liquid to the liquid heater, and then the liquid heater may heat the liquid to have a temperature suitable for preparing a beverage. The liquid heater may be a heat storage structure such as an in-line heater and / or a heat block. The beverage extraction chamber may be part of the capsule holder and / or its extraction unit. The beverage extraction chamber is preferably configured to receive, for example, beverage raw materials contained in a container. For example, the beverage extraction chamber and / or the capsule holder and / or the extraction unit are provided with opening means configured to open the received capsule so that liquid can enter and / or exit the capsule. The liquid heated by the liquid heater is delivered to the beverage extraction chamber by the pump, and the liquid is injected into each capsule in the beverage extraction chamber to prepare a beverage. For example, coffee extraction is performed by injecting liquid into the capsule. The control unit may be configured to control, for example, one or more of the beverage extraction chamber, the extraction unit, the liquid heater, the liquid pump, the capsule holder, the electronic devices, and combinations thereof based on one or more user requests. The liquid connection between each machine functional element may be provided by one or more pipes. The electronic devices may be provided in addition to one or more of the machine functional elements 6, for example, to provide a monitoring function (maintenance, filling level, scale deposition, etc.) for each machine functional element.

[0039] The beverage preparation machine 1 further comprises a liquid tank 7. The liquid tank 7 is configured to be inserted into the machine housing 2. The liquid tank 7 is configured to store or contain a specified quantity of liquid such as water or any other liquid, for example, milk. Therefore, the liquid tank 7 may be a water tank. The liquid tank 7 comprises a liquid tank body configured to store the liquid. The specified quantity of liquid may correspond to a specific number of cups of beverage dispensed by the beverage preparation machine 1. For example, the liquid tank 7 is configured to contain at least 1 L of liquid. The liquid tank 7 is not limited to a specific form. The liquid tank 7 may have an asymmetric shape or a symmetric shape. The liquid tank 7 may have at least a partially circular shape and / or a linear shape. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the liquid tank 7 may be at least partially formed in a circular shape and partially formed in a linear shape.

[0040] The liquid tank 7 may comprise one or more side ends 71, 72. The one or more side ends 71, 72 may be arranged to at least partially define the boundary of the space (or body) of the liquid tank 7 configured to contain (or store) the liquid within the liquid tank 7. The side ends 71, 72 may be arranged opposite to each other. The liquid tank 7 may comprise a side wall 73 that at least partially defines the boundary of the space of the liquid tank 7 for storing the liquid within the liquid tank 7. For example, the side wall 73 is a circumferential side wall. The side wall 73 may extend at least from the side end 71 to the side end 72. The one or more side ends 71, 72 and the side wall 73 preferably define the boundary of the space of the liquid tank 7 dedicated to the liquid. The liquid tank 7 may comprise an injection opening 74 through which liquid such as water from a faucet can be injected into the liquid tank 7. Preferably, the side wall 73 comprises the injection opening 74 and / or the injection opening 74 is arranged between the side ends 71, 72.

[0041] Preferably, the filling opening 74 is designed such that the tank 7 can be partially withdrawn from the channel 8 to allow free access to this opening, enabling the user to refill the tank with water without having to completely remove the tank from the machine.

[0042] The liquid tank 7 is a detachable liquid tank. That is, the liquid tank 7 is configured to be detachable (i.e., removable and / or insertable) so as to move along a (specific or defined) movement axis for being moved to the insertion position. The insertion position is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the liquid tank 7 is fully inserted into the machine housing 2 functionally. In this way, the liquid can be delivered from the liquid tank 7 to the beverage extraction chamber, mixed with the beverage raw materials contained therein, and thereby the beverage can be prepared. At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the liquid pump is configured as part of the machine functional element 6 to deliver (preferably draw) the liquid from the liquid tank 7 to the beverage extraction chamber via the liquid circulation pipe and the liquid heater. The beverage extraction chamber may be part of the extraction unit and / or its capsule holder. In the beverage extraction chamber, the liquid contacts the beverage raw materials (ground coffee, chocolate, milk, etc.) contained in the beverage extraction chamber to prepare the beverage. The liquid tank 7 is movable from the insertion position and thus can be in a removed state. In the removed state of the liquid tank 7, the liquid tank 7 is removed from the machine housing 2. In the removed state of the liquid tank 7, the liquid tank 7 is disposed completely outside the machine housing 2, whereby the liquid tank 7 can be grasped, in particular, with one or both hands of the user operating the beverage preparation machine 1 and freely moved in space. For example, in the removed state of the liquid tank 7, the liquid tank 7 can be refilled with liquid and / or cleaned.

[0043] When the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position, the liquid tank 7 may be at least partially disposed inside the space 60. In other words, at least a part of the liquid tank 7 may be disposed between the two machine functional elements 6 when viewed along the movement axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the liquid tank 7 is at least partially disposed between the machine functional elements 63 and 64 so as to be at least partially disposed inside the space 60. At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, one of the machine functional elements 6 may be disposed so as to face the first side of the liquid tank 7, and another one of the machine functional elements 6 may be disposed so as to face the second side of the liquid tank 7. The first side and the second side of the liquid tank 7 may be sides disposed opposite to each other. The side wall 73 of the liquid tank 7 may include the first and second sides. Disposing the liquid tank 7 at its insertion position so that it is at least partially disposed inside the space 60 results in the liquid tank 7 being disposed without requiring much space. Therefore, the beverage preparation machine 1 can be made compact.

[0044] A specific arrangement of the movement axis with respect to the machine functional element 6 and / or the space 60 can further compact the beverage preparation machine 1. For example, the movement axis may be arranged to extend through the space 60. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, when viewed along the movement axis, the movement axis may be disposed between two machine functional elements 6, such as between the machine functional elements 63 and 64. Additionally or alternatively, and in a top view or a front view of the beverage preparation machine 1 (for example, see FIG. 2), when viewed perpendicular to the movement axis, the movement axis may be disposed between two machine functional elements 6, such as between the machine functional elements 61 and 64. Additionally or alternatively, arranging all of the machine functional elements 6 around the movement axis also results in the beverage preparation machine 1 being made more compact.

[0045] When the beverage preparation machine 1 is configured to prepare a beverage, for example, when the beverage preparation machine 1 is in a state (position and / or orientation) ready to dispense the beverage, the moving axis may extend parallel to or (slightly) obliquely (e.g., at an angle of 0° to 10°, preferably 5° to 10°) with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, the moving axis may be substantially a transverse axis. By having only a moving axis parallel to the horizontal plane, advantageously, gravity is not required to move the liquid tank 7 to the insertion position, and in particular, the handling of the liquid tank 7 is improved. Further, since the liquid tank 7 does not need to move along the vertical direction, the beverage preparation machine 1 requires only a smaller space above the upper part of the machine housing 2. The beverage preparation machine 1 can thus be arranged without particularly requiring a large space, especially in the vertical direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the wall portion 4 includes an opening 41 (also referred to as the "second opening"). The wall portion 4 may at least partially define the boundary of the opening 41. Preferably, the wall portion 4 surrounds the opening 41 on all sides to define the boundary of the opening 41. The opening 41 is configured such that the liquid tank 7 can move through this opening 41. Also, the opening 41 is arranged such that the moving axis passes through this opening 41. Thus, by moving the liquid tank 7 along the moving axis and thus through the opening 41, the liquid tank 7 can be moved to the insertion position. The liquid tank 7 preferably does not protrude from the machine housing 2 when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. Thus, the liquid tank 7 is completely arranged within the machine housing 2 at the insertion position. At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the liquid tank 7 preferably does not protrude from the opening 41. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the side end portion 71 is at least partially in the same plane as the machine housing 2, for example, the wall portion 4, when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position.

[0047] At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the orientation of the liquid tank 7 with respect to the machine housing 2 can have a further advantageous effect on the compactification of the beverage preparation machine 1. As exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 3D, the liquid tank 7 may be arranged to be inclined towards the rear of the machine housing 2 when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. That is, the liquid tank 7 can extend not only along the longitudinal axis but also along a height axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis extends parallel to the movement axis at the insertion position. At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the height axis of the liquid tank 7 may thus extend obliquely with respect to the vertical axis in order to incline (i.e., tilt) the liquid tank 7 towards the rear of the machine housing 2. In this way, the liquid tank 7 is tilted, for example, with respect to the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the upper part of the liquid tank 7 is moved rearward with respect to its bottom. In this inclined state of the machine housing 2 at the insertion position, the machine functional element 6 can be effectively arranged within the machine housing 2. Preferably, the height axis is arranged at an angle of 30° to 50° with respect to the vertical axis, in particular at an angle of about 45°. The arrangement of the filling opening 74 may be such that when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position and the aforementioned inclined state, the filling opening 74 extends at least up to the point of the liquid tank 7 that forms the apex of the liquid tank 7. Thus, even when the liquid tank 7 is arranged in an inclined state for the compactification of the beverage preparation machine 1, a particularly large amount of liquid can be stored in the liquid tank 7.

[0048] In particular, as shown in FIG. 3A, the machine housing 2 can include a channel 8. The channel 8 is adapted to receive the liquid tank 7. For example, the channel 8 is adapted to define a movement axis. The channel 8 can include a guiding structure that facilitates moving or sliding the liquid tank 7 along these guiding structures and thus along the movement axis. The guiding structure may be disposed inside the channel 8 facing the liquid tank 7 when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. Preferably, the channel 8 is at least partially complementary formed with respect to at least a part of the liquid tank 2, for example, the outer wall of the liquid tank 2. For example, the side wall 73 of the liquid tank 7 includes this outer wall. Accordingly, at least a part of the channel 8 may be formed in a concave shape, and a part of the liquid tank 7 is formed complementary to this concave part, thereby having a convex form. The channel 8 is at least partially disposed inside the machine housing 2, preferably inside the space 60. As a result, when the liquid tank 7 is disposed in the channel 8, the liquid tank 7 is at least partially disposed inside the machine housing 2 or the space 60. The opening 41 is preferably disposed to join with the channel 8. For example, the channel 8 extends away from the opening 41.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the machine housing 2 includes an opening 51 (also referred to as the "first opening") for easily removing the liquid tank 7 from the machine housing 2, that is, for easily moving the liquid tank 7 from the insertion position. The opening 51 is disposed to expose a part of the liquid tank 7 when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. This exposed part of the liquid tank 7 may be at least a part of the side end 72. The arrangement of the opening 51 is such that when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position, a user operating the beverage preparation machine 1 can push the exposed part by hand, causing the liquid tank 7 to move along the movement axis from the insertion position, for example, through the opening 41 and / or towards the removed state of the liquid tank 7.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, when the exposed portion of the liquid tank 7 is pushed through the opening 51, the liquid tank 7 moves along the left - right direction, i.e., towards the right. The opening 51 is optionally arranged on the opposite side of the opening 41 and the wall portion 4. Preferably, the opening 51 is arranged on the wall portion 5. The wall portion 5 may at least partially define the boundary of the opening 51. Preferably, the wall portion 5 surrounds the opening 51 on all sides to define the boundary of the opening 51. The opening 51 may be adapted so that the liquid tank 7 cannot move through this opening 51. For example, the opening 51 is smaller than the height of the liquid tank 7. The height of the liquid tank 7 is measured along an axis perpendicular to the movement axis. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, a closing portion 52 is provided to stop the movement of the tank through the channel. As shown in FIG. 3A, this closing portion can also be configured to support the connection of the connector 10 of the tank to the second connector 9.

[0051] Having the opening 51 for exposing at least a part of the liquid tank 7 at the insertion position results in particular in that there is no need to provide the liquid tank 7 with a complex handling structure (handle, protrusion, recess, etc.) for selectively moving the liquid tank to or from the insertion position. In particular, one or more side ends 71, 72 can be simply designed to simply spread smoothly or continuously. At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the side end 72 is preferably in the same plane as at least a part of the machine housing 2, for example the wall portion 5. When the beverage preparation machine 1 is configured to prepare a beverage and the movement axis extends parallel or slightly obliquely to the horizontal plane, moving the liquid tank 7 from the insertion position is very easy because the liquid tank 7 does not need to move along the vertical axis and thus against gravity or the weight of the liquid tank 7, or only needs to move partially.

[0052] At the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, for example, by using a liquid pump, liquid can be delivered from the body tank 7. Thus, the liquid tank 7 is in fluid communication with at least a part of the machine functional element 6. For example, as particularly shown in FIGS. 3D and 5 to 8, the beverage preparation machine 1 can comprise a first connector 9 arranged at least partially within the machine housing 2. Preferably, the first connector 9 extends at least partially inside the channel 8 and / or at the bottom side of the machine housing 2, for example adjacent to the support 3. Further, the beverage preparation machine 1 can comprise a second connector 10 arranged at least partially on top of the liquid tank 7. Preferably, the second connector 10 is not arranged on the side ends 71, 72 of the liquid tank 7. For example, a part of the wall 73 extends downwards from the side end 71 to the side end 72, forming a step region 75. The step region 75 can comprise at least partially the second connector 10.

[0053] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the liquid tank 7 is not in the insertion position, the connectors 9, 10 are spaced apart from each other, so that liquid for preparing a beverage cannot be delivered from the liquid tank 7. When the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first connector 9 and the second connector 10 are connected to each other. Thus, liquid can be delivered from the liquid tank 7 for preparing a beverage. As shown, for example, in FIG. 7, at the insertion position of the liquid tank 7, the first connector 9 may be arranged in the free space provided by the step region 75. The above free space is at least partially bounded by the kick-up and the tread of the step of the step region 75. The kick-up preferably comprises at least a part of the second connector 10. Thereby, the first connector 9 and the second connector 10 can be connected to each other without requiring much space.

[0054] The first connector 9 may comprise a distal end 91. The first connector 9 may also have a proximal end 92 that is fluidly connected to the machine housing 2, for example using a liquid pump and / or one or more liquid flow pipes. Thus, the distal end 91 is positioned away from the point where the first connector 9 is connected to the machine housing 2. The distal end 91 comprises a connection opening 93. The connection opening 93 is an opening of the first connector 9 through which liquid delivered from the liquid tank 7 flows when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement of the first connector 9 is preferably such that the opening 93 opens along a direction parallel to the movement axis. Thus, when looking through the opening 41 along the movement axis, the connection opening 93 is visible when the liquid tank 7 is not in the insertion position. In other words, the first connector 9 and / or the opening 93 define an insertion direction in which the first connector 91 can be connected to the second connector 93, and this insertion direction is parallel to the movement axis. Thus, the user of the beverage preparation machine 1 only needs to move the liquid tank 7 along the movement axis in order to connect the connectors 9, 10 to each other. Thus, a very simple fluid connection between the connectors 9, 10 can be provided.

[0055] As is particularly apparent from FIG. 8, the second connector 10 preferably comprises one or more sealing elements 11, such as one or more radial sealing elements. The one or more sealing elements 11 are arranged to cooperate with the first connector 9 in order to connect the connectors 9, 10 to each other without clearance or with minimal clearance when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position. For example, the one or more sealing elements 11 make sealing contact with the first fluid connector 9 at the insertion position of the liquid tank 7 and seal the (circumferential) gap between the first connector 9 and the second connector 10. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the one or more sealing elements 11 may be arranged to make sealing contact or sealing engagement with the outer wall of the first fluid connector 9. Additionally or alternatively, the first connector 9 may comprise one or more sealing elements 11 that make sealing contact or sealing engagement with the inner wall of the second connector 10 when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position.

[0056] The second connector 9 of the liquid tank 7 can be provided with a valve 12. The valve 12 is arranged to prevent liquid from flowing out of the liquid tank 7 via the second connector 10, particularly in the removed state and / or non-inserted position of the liquid tank 7. As particularly shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the valve 12 is configured to move between a closed position (see FIG. 6 for example) and an open position (see FIG. 8 for example). For example, the valve 12 may be linearly movable between the closed position and the open position, and / or the valve 12 may be formed as a piston, and / or may be movable like a piston. When the valve 12 is in the closed position, liquid cannot flow from the liquid tank 7 to the outside of the liquid tank 7 via the second connector 10. In the closed position of the valve 12, the liquid tank 7 can be moved from the inserted position to a removed state, for example, in which the liquid tank 7 is filled with liquid via an injection opening 74. In the open position of the valve 12, liquid can flow from the liquid tank 7 to the outside of the liquid tank 7 via the second connector 10, particularly into the first connector 9.

[0057] In the inserted position of the liquid tank 7, the arrangement of the connectors 9, 10 relative to each other is preferably such that the first connector 9 moves the valve 12 to its open position. This open position is exemplarily shown in FIG. 8. As is apparent from FIG. 8, the distal end 91 can contact the valve 12 in order to move the valve 12 towards the open position. During this contact between the distal end 91 and the valve 12, a gap 13 can be formed between the distal end 91 and the valve 12. Thus, liquid can flow from the liquid tank 7 into the opening 93 via the gap 13, thereby providing a liquid connection between the first connector 9 and the second connector 10. For example, the valve 12 comprises a protrusion 14 configured to contact the distal end 91 that moves the valve 12 to its open position on the side facing the distal end 91 of the first connector 9. Once the valve 12 is placed in the open position, the protrusion 14 thus at least partially defines the boundary of the gap 13.

[0058] The valve 12 is preferably biased towards the closed position. For example, the valve 12 can include an elastic element 12a, such as a spring element, configured to bias the valve 12 towards the closed position. In the closed position, the valve 12 is preferably positioned on the sealing seat 15. Thus, the valve 12 is preferably biased towards the sealing seat 15 to move the valve 12 to the closed position. In the open position of the valve 12, a gap is formed between the sealing seat 15 and the valve 12. Thus, the liquid can flow through the gap towards the first fluid connector 9, for example, into the gap 13 and the opening 93.

[0059] The first connector 9 and the second connector 10 may be connected to each other by providing the connectors 9, 10 as mating connectors. For example, one of the connectors 9, 10 is a male connector and the other of each of the connectors 9, 10 is a female connector. As shown in FIG. 8, the second connector 10 may be a female connector, the first connector 9 may be a male connector, or vice versa. Preferably, the second connector 10 includes a socket (or receptacle) 16 into which at least a portion of the first connector 9, such as at least the distal end 91, is received, particularly when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position, or when the connectors 9, 10 are at least partially connected to each other, for example, when the liquid tank 7 is in an intermediate position close to the insertion position. For example, in the intermediate position, the distal end 91 is received within the socket 16 but is not yet in contact with the valve 12.

[0060] One or more sealing elements 11 may be arranged on socket 16 (i.e., above and / or within), in particular on the inner wall of socket 16 facing the outer wall of the first connector 9. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing seat 15 may be arranged on socket 16 (i.e., above and / or within), in particular on the inner wall of socket 16 facing the outer wall of the first connector 9. The one or more sealing elements 11 and the sealing seat 15 may be integrally formed with each other. Thus, the one or more sealing elements 11 and the sealing seat 15 can form a single part. Thus, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In particular, the one or more sealing elements 11 and the sealing seat 15 do not need to be arranged on socket 16 independently of each other. Rather, the one or more sealing elements 11 and the sealing seat 15 can be arranged collectively on socket 11 in a single step.

[0061] The socket 16 can comprise a socket opening 17 into which at least a part of the first connector 9, for example at least the distal end 91, can enter in order to be received within the socket 16. Preferably, the sealing seat 15 is further away from the socket opening 17 than the one or more sealing elements 11. Thus, when connecting the connectors 9 and 10 to each other, the first connector 9 contacts the one or more sealing elements 11 before contacting the valve 12. Such a state before contacting the valve 12 is, for example, the intermediate position described above. This provides the advantage that the connectors 9, 10 are connected to each other without a gap before the valve 12 is moved to the open position by the first connector 9. In other words, the one or more sealing elements 11 provide a preliminary seal. Preferably, the liquid tank 7 comprises a cover 18, such as a sealing cover, configured to at least partially cover the socket 16. For example, the cover 18 is attached or inserted into the socket 16. The cover 18 may be configured such that at least a part of the one or more sealing elements 11, such as a flange or collar integrally formed with the one or more sealing elements 11, is arranged or sandwiched between the socket 16 and the cover 18. Thereby, the gap between the socket 16 and the cover 18 can be effectively sealed.

[0062] The liquid tank 7 may be designed to block the view to one or more parts of the beverage preparation machine 1 arranged inside the machine housing 2, such as the first connector 9 and / or the second connector 10 and / or one or more machine functional elements 6. This offers the advantage that the number of parts of the machine housing 2 that hide each part of the beverage preparation machine 1 can be reduced. The liquid tank 7 preferably comprises a transparent part 76 and an opaque part 77. The transparent part 76 is preferably designed such that the filling level of the liquid contained in the liquid tank 7 is visible through the transparent part 76. The transparent part 76 may be formed at one or more of the side ends 71, 72, preferably at least at the side end 71. The opaque part 77 is arranged such that when the liquid tank 7 is in the insertion position and viewed along at least the movement axis, for example through the opening 41, the opaque part 77 blocks the view to one or more parts, such as the first connector 9 and / or the second connector 10. The opaque part 77 may be formed at one or more of the side ends 71, 72, preferably at the side end 71. For example, the side end 71 consists of the transparent part 76 and the opaque part 77. The side end 71 may initially be completely transparent, and the opaque part 77 is provided by applying an opaque structure, such as in the form of a coating, onto the transparent side end 71. Thus, the transparent part 76 is the part of the side end 71 that remains transparent after application. The side end 71 may also be provided by several parts, for example two parts. Thus, one of these parts may correspond to the transparent part 76 and another one of these parts may correspond to the opaque part 77.

[0063] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing the attendant advantages of the invention. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Description of the reference numerals

[0064] 1 Machine 2 Housing 3 Cup support 4 Second wall portion 41 Opening 5 First wall portion 51 Opening 52 Closing portion 6, 61, 63, 64 Functional elements 62 Dispensing nozzle 60 Space 7 Tank 71, 72 Side ends 73 Side wall 74 Injection opening 75 Step region 76 Transparent portion 77 Opaque portion 8 Channel 9 First connector 91 Distal end 92 Proximal end 93 Opening 10 Second connector 11 Sealing element 12 Valve 12a Elastic element 13 Gap 14 Protrusion 15 Sealing seat 16 Socket 17 Opening 18 Cover

Claims

1. A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a machine housing (2) and a liquid tank (7), wherein the machine housing (2) is for surrounding machine functional elements (6) including at least a liquid flow pipe, a liquid pump, a liquid heater, and a beverage extraction chamber, wherein the liquid tank (7) is configured to be detachable so as to move along a moving axis, and at an insertion position, by use of the liquid pump, liquid is delivered from the liquid tank (7) to the beverage extraction chamber via the liquid flow pipe and the liquid heater, and the liquid can be mixed with beverage raw materials accommodated in the beverage extraction chamber to prepare a beverage, and the liquid tank (7) is configured to be completely inserted into the machine housing (2), wherein the machine housing (2) comprises a first opening (51) and a second opening (41) located in wall portions (4, 5) of the machine housing (2) facing each other, when the liquid tank (7) is at the insertion position, the first opening (51) is configured to expose a part of the liquid tank (7), and when the exposed part of the liquid tank (7) is pushed, the liquid tank (7) is configured to move from the insertion position along the moving axis through the second opening (41), a beverage preparation machine (1).

2. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wall portions (4, 5) are side wall portions.

3. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the beverage preparation machine (1) is arranged to prepare a beverage, the moving axis extends parallel to or obliquely to a horizontal plane.

4. The liquid tank (7) does not protrude from the machine housing (2) when the liquid tank (7) is at the insertion position, and / or the liquid tank (7) comprises one or more side end portions (71, 72), and at least one of the one or more side end portions (71, 72) is at least partially in the same plane as the machine housing (2) when the liquid tank (7) is at the insertion position. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The machine housing (2) comprises a front part and a rear part, and the liquid tank (7) is arranged so as to be inclined towards the rear part when the liquid tank (7) is in the insertion position, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a beverage preparation machine (1).

6. The machine housing (2) comprises a channel (8) which is at least partly arranged inside the machine housing (2) and receives the liquid tank (7), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a beverage preparation machine (1).

7. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprises a first connector (9) at least partly arranged within the machine housing (2) and a second connector (10) at least partly arranged on the liquid tank (7), and at the insertion position of the liquid tank (7), the first connector (9) and the second connector (10) are connected to each other to deliver liquid from the liquid tank (7), the first connector (9) comprises a distal end (91) having a connection opening (93), and the first connector (9) is arranged such that the connection opening (93) opens in a direction parallel to the movement axis.

8. The first connector (9) and / or the second connector (10) comprises one or more sealing elements (11), and the one or more sealing elements (11) are arranged to cooperate with the respective other connector (9, 10) to connect the connectors (9, 10) to each other without a gap when the liquid tank (7) is in the insertion position, according to claim 7, a beverage preparation machine (1).

9. The second connector (10) comprises a valve (12) configured to move between a closed position and an open position, and when the liquid tank (7) is moved to the insertion position, the first connector (9) is configured to move the valve (12) to the open position to connect the first connector (9) to the second connector (10) to deliver liquid from the liquid tank (7), according to claim 7 or 8, a beverage preparation machine (1).

10. The second connector (10) comprises a socket (16) for receiving at least a part of the first connector (9), and one or more sealing elements (11) are arranged on the socket (16) and / or the sealing seat (15) on which the valve (12) is located when the valve (12) is in the closed position is arranged on the socket (16). The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The socket (16) comprises a socket opening (17), and at least a part of the first connector (9) can enter the socket (16) through the socket opening (17) and be received by the socket (16). The sealing seat (15) is further away from the socket opening (17) than the one or more sealing elements (11). The beverage preparation machine (1) according to claim 10.

12. The liquid tank (7) comprises a transparent part (76) and an opaque part (77). When the liquid tank (7) is in the insertion position and at least viewed along the movement axis, the opaque part (77) is arranged to block the view to one or more parts arranged inside the machine housing (2). The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The machine functional element (6) is arranged inside the machine housing (2). The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. At least a part of the machine functional element (6) extends into a space (60). When the liquid tank (7) is in the insertion position, the liquid tank (7) is at least partially arranged inside the space (60). The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The machine functional element (6) includes one or more of an extraction chamber, an extraction unit, a liquid heater, a control unit, a liquid pump, a capsule holder, one or more liquid circulation pipes, electronic equipment, and combinations thereof. The beverage preparation machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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