COUPLING OF A DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A BEVERAGE MACHINE TO A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Abstract

A connecting device is arranged for connecting a beverage machine (2) with an external liquid delivery system (3) to supply such liquid to the machine (2). The connecting device (1) has: a device body (16); an inlet (10) for a fluid connection to the external system (3); an outlet (13) for delivering liquid from the external system (3) via the inlet (10) to the machine (2); a valve arrangement (12a, 12b) switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluidic connection between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13) and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; and a control unit (14) for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) between its open configuration and its closed configuration. The device body (16) has an assembly arrangement (16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f) for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body (16) to the machine (2).

Claims

1. A connecting device for connecting a beverage machine with an external liquid delivery system, to supply the liquid to the machine, the connecting device comprising: a device body; an inlet for a fluid connection to the external system; an outlet for delivering liquid from the external system via the inlet to the beverage machine; a valve arrangement switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluid connection between the inlet and the outlet and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; a control unit for switching the valve arrangement between its open configuration and its closed configuration; and, the device body has an assembly arrangement for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body to the machine.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the assembly arrangement comprises: a lower assembly arrangement, for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body to a lower part of a machine tank and/or to a lower part of a main machine body; and/or an upper assembly arrangement, for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body to an upper part of a machine tank and/or to an upper part of a main machine body.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the assembly arrangement comprises a first assembly arrangement, and a second assembly arrangement, which can be reversibly or irreversibly fixed to the machine, by fastening the first and second arrangements to one another by a fixing arrangement: extending over two extremities of the machine; and/or extending externally over and around the machine; and/or delimiting between them an opening for the external system to be connected to the inlet.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the device body is made of a first part and a second part, the first part comprising the first assembly arrangement and the second part comprising the second assembly arrangement, the first and second assembly arrangements being reversibly or irreversibly fixed to the machine assembling the first and second parts together by the fixing arrangement

5. The device of claim 1, comprising a sensor arrangement connected to the control unit that is configured to switch the valve arrangement in response to a triggering signal from the sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement comprising: a low level sensor for detecting a low level of liquid in the tank to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement to the open configuration so as to fill the tank with liquid delivered by the outlet; and/or a high level sensor for detecting a high level of liquid in the tank to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement to the closed configuration.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the further sensor comprises: a further level sensor connected to the control unit and arranged to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement when a predetermined level above the high level is detected; and/or a flowmeter connected to the control unit and measuring a volume of liquid that is delivered via the outlet, the valve arrangement being switched into the closed configuration when the measured volume reaches a predetermined volume.

7. The device of claim 5, comprising a member bearing the sensor arrangement.

8. The device of claim 1, comprising a user-removable accessory fixed to a tank and/or a main body of the machine so that the outlet is positioned for delivering liquid into said tank and/or main body via an upper opening of the tank and/or main body.

9. The device of claim 8, which comprises a sensor arrangement connected to the control unit that is configured to switch the valve arrangement in response to a triggering signal from the sensor arrangement and wherein the assembly arrangement is configured for fixing such device to the tank and/or main body so that the sensor arrangement extends inside the tank via a tank opening or is located adjacent a peripheral tank wall externally to the tank, so as to generate a triggering signal when the liquid reaches a predetermined level in the tank.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the body has an overhanging arm arranged to extend over a tank opening of the tank.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the overhanging arm comprises a connecting portion for connecting a cover member that is configured to cover the opening of the tank.

12. The device of claim 8, comprising a cover member that is configured to close a tank opening of the tank, the cover member defining a passage, through which the outlet extends or through which the outlet can deliver liquid into the tank.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the cover member comprises an assembly arrangement for reversibly assembling the cover member to at least one of the tank, and/or to a main machine body of the beverage machine.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve arrangement comprises two or more valves that are in serial fluid configuration between the inlet and the outlet.

15. A combination formed of a beverage machine and a connecting device for connecting the beverage machine with an external liquid delivery system, to supply such liquid to the machine, the connecting device comprising: a device body; an inlet for a fluid connection to the external system; an outlet for delivering liquid from the external system via the inlet to the beverage machine; a valve arrangement switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluid connection between the inlet and the outlet and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; a control unit for switching the valve arrangement between its open configuration and its closed configuration; and the device body has an assembly arrangement for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body to the machine.

16. A combination formed of a beverage machine and a connecting device for connecting a beverage machine with an external liquid delivery system, to supply such liquid to the machine, the connecting device comprising: a device body; an inlet for a fluid connection to the external system; an outlet for delivering liquid from the external system via the inlet to the beverage machine; a valve arrangement switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluid connection between the inlet and the outlet and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; a control unit for switching the valve arrangement between its open configuration and its closed configuration; and the device body has an assembly arrangement for reversibly or irreversibly assembling the device body to the machine; and the beverage machine having a feature selected from the group consisting of: an inlet for supplying an ingredient to be processed with the liquid in a processing and delivery unit to prepare a beverage; an outlet for delivering a beverage from a processing and delivery unit for placing a user-recipient for collecting the beverage delivered by the outlet; an actuator for actuating a beverage processing and delivery unit for receiving in and/or evacuating from the unit an ingredient; a pump for pumping the liquid from the tank outlet to a beverage delivery outlet; a thermal conditioner for thermally conditioning the liquid from the tank outlet; a machine control unit; an electric connector for supplying power via a power connector to the connecting device; a liquid storage tank with an upper opening for supplying liquid into the tank; and a removable tank lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:

[0086] FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage preparation machine having a tank which can be fitted with a exemplary connecting device in accordance with the invention;

[0087] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of such a connecting device;

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a beverage preparation machine fitted with such a connecting device; and

[0089] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of part of a beverage machine fitted with such a connecting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates a beverage preparation machine 2 that can be retrofitted with a connecting device 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in a manner illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0091] Thus an exemplary connecting device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 for connecting a beverage machine 2 (shown in FIG. 1) with an external liquid delivery system 3, e.g. a water distribution network, to supply such liquid to machine 2, in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0092] Machine 2 can have an inlet 24 for supplying an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge, to be processed with the liquid in a processing and delivery unit 24, 25 to prepare a beverage.

[0093] Machine 2 may include an outlet 25 for delivering a beverage from a processing and delivery unit 24, 25 such as an outlet 25 located above a support 26 for placing a user-recipient, e.g. a cup or a mug, for collecting the beverage delivered by outlet 25.

[0094] Machine 2 can comprise an actuator, such as a handle or a motor, for actuating a beverage processing and delivery unit 24, 25 for receiving in and/or evacuating from unit 24, 25 an ingredient, such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge.

[0095] Machine 2 can have a pump for pumping liquid from tank outlet 20d to a beverage delivery outlet 25, optionally via a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid with an ingredient such as an ingredient contained in a cartridge.

[0096] Machine 2 may include a thermal conditioner, such as a heater and/or a cooler, for thermally conditioning the liquid from tank outlet 20d.

[0097] Machine 2 can comprise a machine control unit such as a control unit with a user-interface 27.

[0098] Machine 2 may have an electric connector for supplying power via a power connector 14c, 14d to connecting device 1.

[0099] Machine 2 can include a liquid storage tank 20 with an upper opening 20a for supplying liquid into the tank, such as an opening 20a delimited by a rim of tank 20, optionally tank 20 being delimited by a bottom part 20b and a peripheral wall 20c extending from and above bottom part 20b towards opening 20a and/or having a tank outlet 20d for dispensing liquid to a beverage processing and delivery unit 24, 25 of machine 2.

[0100] Machine 2 may comprise a removable tank lid 20′, such as a tank lid 20′ replaceable by a cover member 16 comprised by connecting device 1.

[0101] Furthermore, tank 20 may have a (solid) tank lid 20′ covering opening 20a, lid 20′ being removable for filling tank 20. When connecting device 1 is fixed to tank 20, lid 20′ may be removed so that opening 20a remains open or is covered by a cover member 16d that is fixed to connecting device 1 and (re-)movable en bloc with device 1. Hence, tank 20 may nevertheless remain covered when (retro-)fitted with connecting device 1.

[0102] Connecting device 1 typically has: a device body 16; an inlet 10 for a fluid connection to external system 3; an outlet 13 for delivering liquid from external system 3 via the inlet 10 to beverage machine 2; a valve arrangement 12a, 12b switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluidic connection between inlet 10 and outlet 13 and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; and a control unit 14 for switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b between its open configuration and its closed configuration.

[0103] Typically, control unit 14 is connected to at least one of: a power source via a power connector 14c, 14d; and a user interface 14a, 14b such as an interface comprising a and/or reset switch 14a (e.g. an on/off switch and/or a switch for resetting device 1) 14a and/or a control indicator e.g. a control light 14b. The power source may be provided by beverage preparation machine 2 itself or may be external to device 1 and to machine 2, for instance the mains. Power connector 14c, 14d may include an electric cable 14c and a plug 14d. Power connector 14c, 14d may include a voltage transformer, e.g. within plug 14d or on control unit 14.

[0104] For instance, valve arrangement 12a, 12b is connected to inlet 10 via a fluid connector 11 e.g. a fluid connector 11 fixed to a frame portion 16a of body 16.

[0105] Device body 16 has an assembly arrangement 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f for reversibly or irreversibly assembling device body 16 to machine 2, such as to a tank 20 and/or to a main machine body 22 of machine 2.

[0106] Assembly arrangement 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f may include a lower assembly arrangement 16c, such as a foot extending from the device body 16, for reversibly or irreversibly assembling device body 16 to a lower part 20b of a machine tank 20 and/or to a lower part of a main machine body 22. For instance, lower assembly arrangement 16c has a platform projecting from a bottom part of device body 16 and/or extending under outlet 13.

[0107] Assembly arrangement 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f can include an upper assembly arrangement 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, such as a top extending from device body 16, for reversibly or irreversibly assembling device body 16 to an upper part 20a of a machine tank 20 and/or to an upper part of a main machine body 22. For instance, upper assembly arrangement 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f has an arm 16b projecting from a top part of device body 16 and/or extending above outlet 13, such as an arm forming or fixed to a cover member 20d.

[0108] Assembly arrangement 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f may include a first assembly arrangement 16c, such as a lower assembly arrangement e.g. a foot 16c extending from device body 16, and a second assembly arrangement 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, e.g. an upper assembly arrangement such as an arm 16b extending from device body 16, which can be reversibly or irreversibly fixed to machine 2, e.g. to a machine tank 20 and/or to a main machine body 22, by fastening first and second arrangements 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f to one another by a fixing arrangement 16bc. Arrangement 16bc may include any connector that reversibly or irreversibly fixes directly or indirectly such connecting device 1 to machine 2, e.g. to a machine's tank 20 and/or machine's main body 22, such as a mechanical or physical or chemical connector, e.g. one or more of hooks, clips, snaps, clamps, rivets, screws, nails, friction fasteners, geometric fasteners, magnetic connectors, gluing areas and welding areas.

[0109] When fixed together, first and second arrangements 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f may: [0110] extend over two extremities of machine 2, e.g. over tank 20 and/or main machine body 22, to form a clamp secured on machine 2, e.g. on tank 20, two extremities forming for instance a top and bottom part of machine 2, e.g. of tank 20 and/or of main machine body 22; and/or [0111] extend externally over and around machine 2, e.g. externally over and around tank 20 and/or main machine body 22, and optionally passing through an opening 20a of tank 20 into tank 20 and/or of main machine body 22; and/or [0112] delimit between them an opening 16c′ for external system 3 to be connected to inlet 10.

[0113] Device body 16 can be made of a first part 16′ and a second part 16″, first part 16′ comprising first assembly arrangement 16c and second part 16″ comprising second assembly arrangement 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, first and second assembly arrangements 16c; 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f being reversibly or irreversibly fixed to machine 2 by assembling first and second parts 16′,16″ together by fixing arrangement 16bc.

[0114] At least one of first and second parts 16′,16″ may include an outer housing 161′,161″ by which it is assembled to the other part. For instance each part 16′,16″ has an outer housing 161′,161″ whereby parts 16′,16″ are assembled together via their respective outer housings 161′,161″.

[0115] One part 16″ of first and second parts 16′,16″ can comprise inlet 10, outlet 13, valve arrangement 12a, 12b and control unit 14. For instance, inlet 10 and/or outlet 13 extend(s) through the other part 16′ of first and second parts 16′,16″ such as through an opening 16c′ delimited by a housing 161′ of other part 16′, e.g. an opening delimited by a housing 161′ of first part 16′ and a housing of the second part 16″.

[0116] Device 1 may include a sensor arrangement 15a, 15b connected to control unit 14 that is configured to switch valve arrangement 12a, 12b in response to a triggering signal from sensor arrangement 15a, 15b. For instance, sensor arrangement 15a, 15b includes at least one sensor selected from an optical sensor, an electric sensor, e.g. a capacitive sensor, and a float sensor for sensing a float in a machine or device tank 20. Outlet 13 can be configured to deliver liquid from external system 3 into a tank 20 of machine 2 or of such connecting device 1.

[0117] Sensor arrangement 15a, 15b may include a low level sensor 15a for detecting a low level 15a′ of liquid in tank 20 to generate a triggering signal for switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b to the open configuration so as to fill tank 20 with liquid delivered by outlet 13. For instance, control unit 14 is arranged to switch valve arrangement 12a, 12b into the closed configuration: [0118] when a predetermined period of time has lapsed after switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b into the open configuration, the predetermined period of time being optionally user-adjustable, e.g. to adjust to a flow rate of liquid supplied from external delivery system 3 and/or to adjust to a maximum storage volume of tank 20; and/or [0119] when a further level sensor detecting an overfill level above high level 15b′ generates a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement or when a predetermined volume of liquid measured by a further sensor 15c connected to control unit 14 has been delivered via outlet 13, the predetermined volume being optionally user-adjustable, e.g. to adjust to a maximum storage volume of tank 20.

[0120] Sensor arrangement 15a, 15b may include a high level sensor 15b for detecting a high level 15b′ of liquid in tank 20 to generate a triggering signal for switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b to the closed configuration. For instance, control unit 14 is configured so as to intermittently read high level sensor 15b, e.g. at time intervals in the range of 1 to 20 or 30 min., and maintain valve arrangement 12a, 12b in the closed configuration as long as a high level 15b′ of liquid is detected and then temporarily switch the valve arrangement 12a, 12b into the open configuration until high level 15b′ of liquid is again detected whereby high level sensor 15b is read continuously or at short intervals by control unit 14, such as intervals of less than 5 second e.g. intervals in the range of 0.1 to 3 s.

[0121] Sensor arrangement 15a, 15b may have a low level sensor 15a for detecting a low level 15a′ of liquid in tank 20 to generate a triggering signal for switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b to the open configuration so as to fill tank 20 with liquid delivered by outlet 13 and a high level sensor 15b for detecting a high level 15b′ of liquid in tank 20 to generate a triggering signal for switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b to the closed configuration. For instance, control unit 14 is also arranged to switch valve arrangement 12a, 12b into the closed configuration: [0122] when a predetermined period of time has lapsed after switching valve arrangement 12a, 12b into the open configuration, the predetermined period of time being optionally user-adjustable, e.g. to adjust to a flow rate of liquid supplied from external delivery system 3 and/or to adjust to a maximum storage volume of tank 20; and/or [0123] when a further sensor 15c provides a signal to control unit 14 that indicates that high level 15b′ has been exceeded.

[0124] Generally speaking, further sensor 15c may include: [0125] a further level sensor connected to control unit 14 and arranged to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement when a predetermined level above high level 15b′ is detected; and/or [0126] a flowmeter 15c connected to control unit 14 and measuring a volume of liquid that is delivered via outlet 13, the valve arrangement being switched into the closed configuration when the measured volume reaches a predetermined volume, the predetermined volume being optionally user-adjustable, e.g. to adjust to a maximum storage volume of tank 20.

[0127] Device 1 may include a member 15 bearing sensor arrangement 15a, 15b. For instance, member 15 has one or more of the following features a) to d): [0128] a) member 15 extends in a generally upright direction 15′ and/or in a generally horizontal direction 15″ arranged to generally match a wall 20c of machine 2, such as a peripheral wall 20c of a tank 20 of machine 2, along (a) corresponding direction(s) 20c′, 20c″, when such device 1 is fixed to tank 20; [0129] b) member 15 extends in a generally upright direction in a manner as to generally extend along thank wall 20c inside or outside a tank 20 of machine 2, when such device 1 is fixed to tank 20; [0130] c) member 15 forms a wall 15 of device body 16, such as a wall 15 of a housing 161′, 161″ of body 16; [0131] d) member 15 is formed by a PCB which interfaces at least one or two sensor(s) 15a, 15b of sensor arrangement 15a, 15b to control unit 14.

[0132] Device 1 can form a user-removable accessory 1 fixed to a tank 20 and/or a main body 22 of machine 2 so that outlet 13 is positioned for delivering liquid into tank 20 and/or main body 22 via an upper opening 20a of tank 20 and/or main body 22.

[0133] Device 1 may include comprises a sensor arrangement 15a, 15b connected to control unit 14 that is configured to switch valve arrangement 12a, 12b in response to a triggering signal from sensor arrangement 15a, 15b.

[0134] Assembly arrangement 16c, 16d can be configured for fixing such device 1 to tank 20 and/or main body 22 so that sensor arrangement 15a, 15b extends inside tank 20 via a tank opening 20a or is located adjacent a peripheral tank wall 20c externally to tank 20, so as to generate a triggering signal when the liquid reaches a predetermined level 15a′, 15b′ in tank 20.

[0135] The connecting device may be connected to and use sensors that are integrated in the beverage machine to monitor the tank.

[0136] Device body 16 can have an overhanging arm 16b arranged to extend over a tank opening 20a of tank 20 and optionally into tank 20 via opening 20a, overhanging arm 16 being formed of or holding at least one of outlet 13 and the sensor arrangement. Overhanging arm 16b may include a connecting portion 16e for connecting a cover member 16d that is configured to cover opening 20a of tank 20. For instance, outlet 13 and/or the sensor arrangement extend(s) through connecting portion 16e or forming the connecting portion or being integral with the connecting portion and cover member 16d.

[0137] Connecting device 1 may include a cover member 16d that is configured to close a tank opening 20a of tank 20, cover member 16d delimiting a passage 16e, such as a through hole, through which outlet 13 extends or through which the outlet can deliver liquid into tank 20. For instance, sensor arrangement 15a, 15b, when present, extends through this passage or through a different passage delimited by the cover member into the tank or is confined outside tank 20.

[0138] Generally speaking, cover member 16d can incorporate an assembly arrangement 16f for reversibly assembling cover member 16d to at least one of tank 20, such as to a rim delimiting tank opening 20a, and/or to a main machine body 22 of beverage machine 2 e.g. by being hooked to main machine body 22.

[0139] Valve arrangement 12a, 12b may include two or more valves 12a, 12b that are in serial fluidic configuration between inlet 10 and outlet 13.

[0140] At least two such valves 12a, 12b that are in serial fluidic configuration can be controlled in parallel by control unit 14 to be both simultaneously open for establishing the fluidic connection between inlet 10 and outlet 13 or both simultaneously closed for interrupting the fluidic connection.

[0141] At least two such valves 12a, 12b that are in serial fluidic configuration may be be controlled separately by control unit 14 so that a first valve 12a of such valves 12a, 12b is open or closed for establishing or interrupting the fluidic connection between inlet 10 and outlet 13 as required for supplying liquid to machine 2 and so that a second valve 12b of valves 12a, 12b is open as long as first valve 12a opens and closes as controlled by control unit 14 and is closed when first valve 12a is malfunctioning. For instance, at least one sensor 15c, e.g. a flowmeter and/or an overfill level sensor, is connected to control unit 14 for sensing an on-going flow of liquid via inlet 10 and outlet 13 after control unit 14 has attempted to switch first valve 12a into its closed configuration and for triggering control unit 14 to switch second valve 12b into its closed configuration.

[0142] Control unit 14 can be arranged to detect a malfunctioning of at least one valve 12a, 12b to then indicate to a user such malfunctioning via an indicator 14b and/or block the non-malfunctioning valve in its closed configuration with or without automatically switching-off such device 1.