Beverage dispensing head equipped with two beverage dispensing nozzles

Abstract

The beverage dispensing head (8) has a beverage supply duct (11); a distribution chamber (12) fluidically connected to the beverage supply duct (11) and provided with two calibrated outlet orifices; two decompression chambers (14) which are respectively fluidically connected to the distribution chamber (12) via the two calibrated outlet orifices, each of the decompression chambers (14) being provided with a discharge orifice; and two beverage dispensing nozzles (9) which are respectively fluidically connected to the two discharge orifices and through which a ready-made beverage is able to flow into a container positioned below the beverage dispensing head (8).

Description

Beverage dispensing head equipped with two beverage dispensing nozzles

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

[0002] A beverage preparation appliance, and more specifically an automatic coffee machine, includes:

[0003] - a container support comprising a receiving slot configured to support a container, and

[0004] - a beverage dispensing head located directly above the receiving area and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device is able to flow into a container positioned on the receiving area.

[0005] In order to allow simultaneous filling of two containers positioned at the receiving location, the beverage dispensing head of such a beverage preparation apparatus comprises, in a known manner:

[0006] - a beverage supply line configured to be fluidly connected to a beverage preparation device, such as a percolation device, belonging to the beverage preparation appliance,

[0007] - a distribution chamber fluidically connected to the beverage supply line and equipped with two outlet ports, and

[0008] - two beverage dispensing nozzles which are fluidly connected respectively to the two outlet orifices and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device is able to flow simultaneously into the two containers positioned under the beverage dispensing head.

[0009] However, this configuration of the beverage dispensing head does not guarantee, regardless of the recipe being prepared or the flow rate of the beverage supply line, a uniform distribution of the prepared beverage between the two containers. Therefore, when filling two containers simultaneously, the volume of beverage dispensed into one container may be greater than that dispensed into the other, which can negatively impact the quality of the prepared recipe and also affect users' perception of the quality of the beverage preparation equipment.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy this drawback.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a beverage dispensing head for a beverage preparation device, such as an automatic coffee machine, which allows simultaneous and substantially uniform filling of two containers with a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing head for a beverage preparation apparatus, the beverage dispensing head comprising:

[0013] - a beverage supply line configured to be fluidly connected to a beverage preparation device, such as a percolation device, belonging to the beverage preparation appliance,

[0014] - a distribution chamber fluidically connected to the beverage supply line and equipped with two calibrated outlet ports, for example with a circular cross-section,

[0015] - two decompression chambers, also called expansion chambers, which are fluidically connected to the distribution chamber respectively via the two calibrated outlet ports, each of the decompression chambers being equipped with an evacuation port, and

[0016] - two beverage dispensing nozzles which are fluidly connected respectively to the two discharge ports and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device is able to flow into a container positioned under the beverage dispensing head.

[0017] The presence of two calibrated outlet ports allows, when the beverage supply line feeds the distribution chamber, for the distribution chamber to be pressurized, thus ensuring better balancing of the outlet flow rates through the two calibrated outlet ports, regardless of the flow rate of the beverage supply line. This configuration of the beverage dispensing head, and in particular of the distribution chamber, therefore ensures a more uniform distribution of the prepared beverage between the two decompression chambers and thus between the two beverage dispensing nozzles, regardless of the flow rate of the beverage supply line.

[0018] Therefore, the beverage distribution head according to the present invention ensures, regardless of the recipe made and in particular regardless of the flow rate of the beverage supply conduit, a simultaneous and substantially uniform filling of two containers, and this without additional cost for the beverage distribution head.

[0019] The beverage dispensing head may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices are substantially diametrically opposed with respect to a central axis of the distribution chamber.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head is configured such that, under conditions of use, the beverage contained in each decompression chamber flows by gravity through the respective discharge orifice and into the respective beverage dispensing nozzle.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices have a combined cross-sectional area that is smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage supply conduit. Such a configuration of the beverage dispensing head allows, during the simultaneous filling of two containers, for further improvement in the uniformity of their filling.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices have a combined cross-sectional area that is less than 50% of the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the beverage supply conduit, advantageously between 10% and 50%, and for example, approximately 30%. Such a configuration of the beverage dispensing head makes it possible, during the simultaneous filling of two containers, to further improve the uniformity of their filling.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the calibrated outlet orifices has a diameter between 0.8 and 1.9 mm, and for example about 1 mm.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices have substantially identical, and advantageously identical, passage cross-sections. Such a configuration of the beverage dispensing head makes it possible, during the simultaneous filling of two containers, to further improve the uniformity of their filling.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the decompression chambers has a bottom wall configured to guide the beverage contained in said decompression chamber towards the respective discharge orifice. Such a configuration of the beverage dispensing head prevents beverage accumulation and stagnation in the decompression chambers.

[0027] Advantageously, the bottom walls of the two decompression chambers are configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the beverage dispensing device rests on a horizontal surface.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the evacuation orifice of each decompression chamber is located at a low point of said decompression chamber.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, each drainage orifice opens into the bottom wall of the respective decompression chamber.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of each of the decompression chambers has an overall frustoconical shape.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the decompression chambers has an internal volume greater than the internal volume of the distribution chamber, and advantageously greater than at least four times, and for example about sixteen times, the internal volume of the distribution chamber.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage supply conduit has a passage cross-section which is substantially constant along the length of the beverage supply conduit.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two decompression chambers are arranged on either side of the distribution chamber, and for example on either side of a median vertical plane of the beverage distribution head.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head has a plane of symmetry which is substantially coincident with the median vertical plane of the beverage dispensing head.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane of the beverage dispensing head.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage supply line is configured such that, under operating conditions, the beverage from the beverage supply line flows substantially vertically into the distribution chamber, with the two calibrated outlet orifices being oriented substantially horizontally and the two discharge orifices being oriented substantially vertically.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distribution chamber has an internal volume of less than 500 mm³ 3 , and for example about 150 mm 3 .

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage supply conduit comprises a first end portion configured to be connected to the beverage preparation device belonging to the beverage preparation apparatus, and a second end portion opening into the distribution chamber.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head includes a sealing portion configured to seal the dispensing chamber.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distribution chamber comprises a peripheral wall, for example of a generally cylindrical shape, extending around the second end portion of the beverage supply conduit, and the sealing portion is interposed between the peripheral wall of the distribution chamber and the second end portion of the beverage supply conduit. Advantageously, the sealing portion is also generally cylindrical in shape.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two calibrated outlet orifices are provided in a lower portion of the distribution chamber, and for example in a lower portion of the peripheral wall of the distribution chamber.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head comprises two venting conduits opening respectively into the two decompression chambers, and for example into upper portions of the two decompression chambers.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head comprises a beverage supply body including the beverage supply conduit, a beverage distribution body delimiting the distribution chamber and the two decompression chambers and including the two beverage dispensing nozzles, and a sealing element arranged at a junction zone between the beverage supply body and the beverage distribution body, and for example interposed between the beverage supply body and the beverage distribution body.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing element comprises the sealing portion.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage supply body is arranged above the beverage distribution body.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage supply body and the beverage distribution body are fixed to each other by screwing.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispensing head is height-adjustable.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a beverage preparation apparatus comprising a container support having a receiving location on which a container, such as a cup, can be positioned, and a beverage dispensing head according to the invention which is located directly above the receiving location.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beverage preparation apparatus includes a head displacement mechanism configured to move the beverage dispensing head in translation along a translation direction that is substantially vertical. Brief description of the figures

[0050] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0051] is a front perspective view of a beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention;

[0052] is an exploded perspective top view of a beverage dispensing head belonging to the beverage preparation apparatus of the;

[0053] is an exploded perspective view from below the beverage dispensing head of the;

[0054] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing head of the;

[0055] is a partial top view of the beverage dispensing head of the. Detailed description

[0056] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "superior", "above" and "below" used to describe the beverage preparation apparatus and / or the beverage dispensing head refer to the beverage preparation apparatus in use when it is resting on a flat, horizontal surface, such as a work surface.

[0057] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0058] In this document, the term "median vertical plane" means a plane that divides the beverage dispensing head into a left part and a right part.

[0059] Figures 1 to 5 depict a beverage preparation device 2, such as an automatic coffee machine, according to an embodiment of the invention. The beverage preparation device 2 is particularly suitable for preparing coffee, milk-based drinks, or tea.

[0060] The beverage preparation appliance 2 comprises a housing 3, for example, generally parallelepiped in shape, configured to rest on a work surface, such as a worktop. The housing 3 contains the main functional elements of the beverage preparation appliance 2.

[0061] The housing 3 is advantageously equipped with a user interface 4, for example with a display screen, enabling a user to select different operating cycles of the beverage preparation device 2. The beverage preparation device 2 also includes an electronic control unit 5 functionally connected to the user interface 4 and configured to control the operation of the beverage preparation device 2 in particular according to the operating cycles selected by a user.

[0062] The beverage preparation apparatus 2 further includes a container support 6 equipped with a support grid defining a receiving location 7 on which a container, such as a cup, can be positioned, and a beverage dispensing head 8 provided with two beverage dispensing nozzles 9 located above the receiving location 7 and through which a beverage, prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus 2, is able to flow into a container positioned on the container support 6.

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage dispensing head 8 has a plane of symmetry which is substantially coincident with a median vertical plane P of the beverage dispensing head 8.

[0064] Advantageously, the beverage dispensing head 8 is height-adjustable. For this purpose, the beverage preparation unit 2 can, for example, be equipped with a head-shifting mechanism (not shown in the figures) configured to move the beverage dispensing head 8 translationally in a substantially vertical direction. The head-shifting mechanism is advantageously configured to allow manual height adjustment of the beverage dispensing head 8.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the beverage dispensing head 8 comprises a beverage supply line 11 configured to be fluidly connected to a beverage preparation device (not shown in the figures), such as a percolation device, belonging to the beverage preparation apparatus 2, and a distribution chamber 12 fluidly connected to the beverage supply line 11 and configured to be supplied with beverage from the latter. The distribution chamber 12 may, for example, have an internal volume of less than 500 mm³ 3 .

[0066] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage supply conduit 11 comprises a first end portion 11.1 configured to be connected to the beverage preparation device, and a second end portion 11.2 configured to open into the distribution chamber 12.

[0067] Advantageously, the beverage supply conduit 11 has an angled shape and comprises a first horizontal portion including the first end portion 11.1 and a second vertical portion including the second end portion 11.2.

[0068] Advantageously, the second end portion 11.2 includes a beverage dispensing orifice extending substantially in a horizontal plane. In other words, the beverage dispensing orifice has a central axis that is oriented substantially vertically.

[0069] As shown in particular in Figure 1, the distribution chamber 12 is provided with two calibrated outlet orifices 13 which have identical passage cross-sections. Advantageously, the two calibrated outlet orifices 13 are circular in shape and are located on either side of the vertical median plane P of the beverage dispensing head 8. The two calibrated outlet orifices 13 can, for example, be diametrically opposed with respect to a central axis of the distribution chamber 12.

[0070] Advantageously, the two calibrated outlet orifices 13 extend substantially in a respective vertical plane. In other words, each calibrated outlet orifice 13 has a central axis that is oriented substantially horizontally.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in the figures and in particular in the, the distribution chamber 12 comprises a peripheral wall 12.1, for example of overall cylindrical shape, extending around the second end portion 11.2 of the beverage supply conduit 11, and the two calibrated outlet orifices 13 are provided in a lower portion of the peripheral wall 12.1 of the distribution chamber 12.

[0072] Advantageously, the distribution chamber 12 extends along a substantially vertical central axis, preferably coinciding with a central axis of the beverage distribution head 8.

[0073] Advantageously, the two calibrated outlet orifices 13 have a cumulative passage area which is less than the minimum passage area of ​​the beverage supply conduit 11, and for example between 10 and 50% of the minimum passage area of ​​the beverage supply conduit 11. Each of the calibrated outlet orifices 13 can for example have a diameter between 0.8 and 1.9 mm.

[0074] The beverage distribution head 8 further comprises two decompression chambers 14, also called expansion chambers, which are fluidly connected to the distribution chamber 12 respectively via the two calibrated outlet ports 13. Advantageously, each of the decompression chambers 14 has an internal volume greater than the internal volume of the distribution chamber 12, and for example greater than at least four times the internal volume of the distribution chamber 12.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two decompression chambers 14 are arranged on either side of the distribution chamber 12, and more particularly on either side of the median vertical plane P of the beverage distribution head 8. Advantageously, the two calibrated outlet orifices 13 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the beverage distribution head 8, and likewise the two decompression chambers 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P.

[0076] Each of the decompression chambers 14 is provided with an evacuation orifice 15 (see the) which opens into a bottom wall 14.1 of said decompression chamber 14 and which is located at a low point of said decompression chamber 14. The two beverage dispensing nozzles 9 are more particularly fluidly connected respectively to the two evacuation orifices 15, and advantageously each extend downwards from the respective evacuation orifice 15.

[0077] Each drainage opening 15 preferably extends in a substantially horizontal plane. In other words, each drainage opening 15 has a central axis that is oriented substantially vertically.

[0078] As shown in the figure, the bottom wall 14.1 of each of the decompression chambers 14 is configured to guide the beverage contained in said decompression chamber 14 towards the respective discharge port 15. This configuration of the beverage dispensing head 8 prevents beverage accumulation and stagnation in the decompression chambers 14.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the bottom walls 14.1 of the two decompression chambers 14 are configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the beverage dispensing device rests on a horizontal surface. The bottom wall 14.1 of each of the decompression chambers 14 may, for example, have a generally frustoconical shape.

[0080] The beverage dispensing head 8 also includes two venting conduits 16 opening respectively into the two decompression chambers 14, and for example into the upper portions of the two decompression chambers 14. Advantageously, each of the venting conduits 16 has an upper opening 16.1 which is oriented upwards and opens into the respective decompression chamber 14, and a lower opening 16.2 which is oriented downwards and opens outside the beverage dispensing head 8. The two venting conduits 16 thus also have an anti-overflow function for the decompression chambers 14.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the beverage distribution head 8 comprises a beverage supply body 17 including the beverage supply conduit 11, a beverage distribution body 18 delimiting the distribution chamber 12 and the two decompression chambers 14 and including the two beverage distribution nozzles 9, and a sealing element 19 arranged at a junction zone between the beverage supply body 17 and the beverage distribution body 18, and for example interposed between the beverage supply body 17 and the beverage distribution body 18. Advantageously, the beverage supply body 17 is disposed above the beverage distribution body 18, and the beverage supply body 17 and the beverage distribution body 18 are fixed to each other by screwing.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the sealing element 19 has a sealing portion 19.1, for example of a generally cylindrical shape, which is interposed between the peripheral wall 12.1 of the distribution chamber 12 and the second end portion 11.2 of the beverage supply conduit 11 and which is configured to seal the distribution chamber 12. Advantageously, the sealing portion 19.1, the peripheral wall 12.1 and the second end portion 11.2 extend substantially coaxially.

[0083] Advantageously, the sealing element 19 includes, for each decompression chamber 14, a portion of sealing suitable for covering the upper part of the corresponding decompression chamber 14.

[0084] Advantageously, the sealing element 19 is positioned between the beverage supply body 17 and the beverage distribution body 18 along a vertical axis and is suitable for sealing the beverage distribution body 18 in the upper part of the beverage distribution body 18.

[0085] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Beverage dispensing head (8) for a beverage preparation apparatus (2), the beverage dispensing head (8) comprising: - a beverage supply conduit (11) configured to be fluidly connected to a beverage preparation device belonging to the beverage preparation apparatus (2), - a distribution chamber (12) fluidly connected to the beverage supply conduit (11) and provided with two calibrated outlet ports (13), - two decompression chambers (14) which are fluidly connected to the distribution chamber (12) respectively via the two calibrated outlet ports (13) and which are arranged on either side of the distribution chamber (12), each of the decompression chambers (14) being provided with a discharge port (15),and two beverage dispensing nozzles (9) which are fluidly connected respectively to the two discharge ports (15) and through which a beverage prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus (2) is able to flow into a container positioned under the beverage dispensing head (8). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to claim 1, wherein the two calibrated outlet orifices (13) have a cumulative passage area which is less than the minimum passage area of ​​the beverage supply conduit (11). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two calibrated outlet orifices (13) have passage sections which are substantially identical. Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the decompression chambers (14) has a bottom wall (14.1) which is configured to guide the beverage contained in said decompression chamber (14) towards the respective discharge orifice (15). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the decompression chambers (14) has an internal volume greater than the internal volume of the distribution chamber (12). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the two calibrated outlet orifices (13) are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a median vertical plane (P) of the beverage dispensing head (8). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the beverage supply conduit (11) is configured such that, under conditions of use, the beverage from the beverage supply conduit (11) flows substantially vertically into the distribution chamber (14), the two calibrated outlet orifices (13) being oriented substantially horizontally and the two discharge orifices (15) being oriented substantially vertically. Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dispensing chamber (12) has an internal volume of less than 500 mm³ 3 . Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which includes two venting conduits (16) opening respectively into the two decompression chambers (14). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which includes a sealing portion (19.1) configured to seal the dispensing chamber (12). Beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a beverage supply body (17) including the beverage supply conduit (11), a beverage dispensing body (18) delimiting the distribution chamber (12) and the two decompression chambers (14) and including the two beverage dispensing nozzles (9), and a sealing element (19) arranged at a junction zone between the beverage supply body (17) and the beverage dispensing body (18). Beverage preparation apparatus (2) comprising a container support (6) having a receiving location (7) on which a container can be positioned, and a beverage dispensing head (8) according to any one of the preceding claims which is located directly above the receiving location (7).

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