SYSTEM FOR REFILLING BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH POWDER

Abstract

The invention concerns of a tank (1) for storing a food or beverage powder (3) and a powder refilling container (2) for refilling said tank with powder, in which: —the tank comprises a storing chamber (11) and a powder inlet (12), —the powder refilling container comprises a powder outlet (21), the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank being designed for cooperating together in order to create a connection and a path for powder between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank, and wherein the connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that, once the powder inlet and the powder outlet are connected, the connection enables the positioning of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container: —in one first position wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly, —in one second position wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented downwardly.

Claims

1. System of a tank for storing a food or beverage powder and a powder refilling container for refilling the tank with powder, wherein: the tank comprises a storing chamber and a powder inlet; the powder refilling container comprises a powder outlet; the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank being designed for cooperating together in order to create a connection and a path for powder between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank; and the connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that, once the powder inlet and the powder outlet are connected, the connection enables the positioning of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container: in one first position wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly, and in one second position wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented downwardly.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that: the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is able to be connected to the powder inlet of the tank if said powder outlet is oriented upwardly only; and once connected to the powder inlet of the tank, the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is able to move relatively to the powder inlet of the tank to be oriented downwardly.

3. System according to claim 1 wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container comprises a removable cover and the connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that: in the first position, the cover closes the powder outlet, and in the second position, the cover is removed from the powder outlet of the powder refilling container.

4. System according to claim 1 wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is introduced in the powder inlet of the tank according to an upwardly translation up to the first position or according to a downwardly translation down to the first position.

5. System according to claim 1 wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container moves from the first position to the second position according to a rotation.

6. Beverage dispenser comprising at least one tank for storing food or beverage powder, the tank being refillable by powder, wherein the tank comprises a storing chamber and a powder inlet and the powder inlet is designed for cooperating with the powder outlet of a powder refilling container in order to create a connection and a path for powder; and the power inlet of the tank comprises a receiving area for connecting the powder outlet of a powder refilling container for refilling the tank, the receiving area being designed so that the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is able to be positioned relatively to the powder inlet of the tank in at least two positions: one first position in which the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly, and one second position in which the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented downwardly.

7. Beverage dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the receiving area comprises a member for enabling: the introduction of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the receiving area of the tank according to a translation up to the first position, and the rotational movement of the powder outlet from the first to the second position.

8. Beverage dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the dispenser comprises at least two tanks storing different powders and the powder inlets of the tanks are designed differently for being connected to different powder refilling container storing different powders.

9. Beverage dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the receiving area is a socket, the internal walls of socket comprising at least one guiding pin and/or groove for cooperation with at least one corresponding guiding groove and/or pin on the external wall of the powder outlet.

10. Powder refilling container storing food or beverage powder comprising a powder outlet and the powder outlet being designed for cooperating with the powder inlet of a tank for storing powder of a beverage dispenser in order to create a connection and a path for powder, the power inlet of the tank comprising a receiving area for connecting the powder outlet of the powder refilling container, said receiving area being designed so that the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is able to be positioned relatively to the powder inlet of the tank in at least two positions: one first position, in which the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly, and one second position in which the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented downwardly.

11. Powder refilling container according to claim 10 wherein the powder outlet comprises a member for enabling: the introduction of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the receiving area of the tank according to a translation up to the first position, and the rotational movement of the powder outlet from the first to the second position.

12. Powder refilling container according to claim 10, wherein the external wall of the powder outlet comprises at least one guiding groove and/or pin designed for guiding the tube in the powder inlet and for moving the powder outlet in the powder inlet.

13. A range of powder refilling containers according to claim 10 wherein the powder refilling containers differ by the nature of the powders they comprise and by the design of the powder outlets so that each powder refilling container powder outlet can be connected to the powder inlet of a dedicated powder tank only.

14. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood in relation to the following figures:

[0105] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the principle of the invention,

[0106] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e illustrate a system according to a first mode of the present invention,

[0107] FIG. 3 illustrates the cooperation between the tank and the powder refilling container of the system of the first mode,

[0108] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c illustrate a system according to a second mode of the present invention,

[0109] FIG. 5 illustrates the cooperation between the tank and the powder refilling container of the system of the second mode,

[0110] FIG. 6 illustrates a beverage dispenser according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a system according to the present invention and the different steps for connecting the different parts of the system. The system comprises a tank 1 for storing a food or beverage powder and a powder refilling container 2 for refilling said tank with powder 3.

[0112] The tank 1 comprises a storing chamber 11 and a powder inlet 12 through which powder can be introduced for the refilling of the tank. Usually this tank 1 is a storing, and preferably dosing, tank of a beverage dispenser, also frequently called canister. Such a tank usually comprises a powder outlet positioned at the bottom of the storing chamber from which powder is dosed for preparing a beverage. Preferably the bottom of the storing chamber comprises a dosing device like a screw auger or a spring auger. Consequently, in this type of tank, powder is evacuated from the storing chamber through the bottom of the storing chamber and powder has to be refilled in the storing chamber regularly.

[0113] The powder refilling container 2 is conceived for storing a powder 3. It is usually a pouch. The powder refilling container comprises a powder outlet 21.

[0114] The powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet 12 of the tank are designed for cooperating together in order to transfer the powder of the powder refilling container to the storing chamber 11 and refill the tank. The cooperation consists in creating a connection and a path for powder between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank.

[0115] As illustrated in steps a) and b) of FIG. 1, when the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container is connected to the powder inlet 12 of the tank, the powder outlet is in a first position in which there is no path for powder. Indeed due to the introduction of the powder outlet 21 oriented upwardly, powder cannot flow through the powder outlet 21, moreover the end of the outlet is closed by an internal wall of the powder inlet 12 of the tank. In the first position illustrated in step b), there is no path for powder.

[0116] Once the powder outlet 21 is connected in the first position of step b), the powder outlet can be rotated so as to reach the position illustrated in step c1). In this position a path for powder is created and the end of the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container is oriented downwardly. As a result powder can flow due to gravity from the powder refilling container 2 to the storing chamber 11 of the tank as illustrated in step c2). Optionally the connection in this second position can enable a back and forth movement of the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container to accelerate and improve the filling of powder as illustrated in step c3).

[0117] To stop the refilling operation, the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container is rotated back in the first position as illustrated in step d). Powder present in the powder inlet 12 of the tank and in the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container flows respectively to the storing chamber 11 and the powder refilling container 2 due to the orientation of said elements. Simultaneously the path for powder is closed.

[0118] Finally the powder refilling container 2 can disconnected from the tank by pulling out the powder refilling container. The powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container remains upwardly oriented during this step e) and powder is prevented from falling around the powder refilling container and the tank.

[0119] The powder outlet is generally a tube. The tube can present any sectional shape. Preferably the shape is conformal to the shape of the receiving area of the powder inlet of the tank.

[0120] FIG. 2a illustrates a system of a tank 1 and a powder refilling container 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tank 1 comprises a storing chamber 11 and a powder inlet 12. The powder inlet 12 protrudes at the upper part of the storing chamber. Preferably the powder inlet is attached to the top of the storing chamber and is not removable therefrom (except for cleaning or maintenance). The powder inlet 12 comprises a removable cover 121 protecting the powder inlet 12 when the tank is not refilled. The powder refilling container 2 comprises a powder outlet 21.

[0121] FIG. 2b illustrates the system wherein the cover 121 of the powder inlet of the tank has been removed to open the powder inlet 12. The powder inlet 12 comprises a receiving area 122 configured for receiving the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container. The receiving area 122 is designed so as to receive the powder outlet 21, said outlet being oriented upwardly. FIG. 2b illustrates how the operator must position the powder refilling container to be able to introduce it inside the receiving area 122 of the powder inlet: as illustrated the powder refilling container must be hold so that the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly and the powder refilling container is introduced according to an upwardly translation movement.

[0122] FIG. 2c is a side view of FIG. 2b showing a cross section of the powder inlet 12 according to AA in FIG. 2b (whereas the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is represented according to a side view) and FIG. 2d is a perspective view of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the same upwardly position. The powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container is a tube 211. The tube 211 comprises a first pair of symmetric pins 2111 and a second pair of symmetric pins 2112 on its external lateral sides (in FIGS. 2c, 2d only one pin of each pair is apparent). Each pin 2111 of the first pair of symmetric pins presents a bump 2113.

[0123] The powder outlet comprises a cover 212 presenting a pair of symmetric guiding grooves 2121 on its external lateral sides (in FIGS. 2c, 2d only one groove of each pair is apparent) and cooperating with the second pair of pins 2112 of the powder outlet. The bottom edges of the lateral sides of the cover engage with symmetric cover guiding bumps 2114 on the external lateral sides of the powder outlet. These guiding bumps guide the movement of the cover 212 when it is removed from the end of the powder outlet once the powder outlet is moved to the second position inside the powder inlet of the tank. FIG. 2e is an isolated perspective view of the powder outlet once positioned in the said second position and illustrating the movement of the cover.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 2c, the receiving area 122 of the powder inlet 12 of the tank comprises a first guiding groove 1221a on its lateral internal wall cooperating with the tube guiding bumps 2113 on the lateral sides of the tube of the powder outlet; a corresponding symmetric first guiding slot is present on the symmetric lateral internal wall (not represented due to the cross section). The receiving area 122 also comprises a second guiding grooves 1221b on its lateral internal wall cooperating with the second pin 2112 on the lateral side of the tube of the powder outlet; the corresponding symmetric second guiding slot is present on the symmetric lateral internal wall (not represented due to the cross section).

[0125] Both first guiding slots 1221a and second guiding grooves 1221b of the powder inlet in the receiving area present a straight design orientated upwardly in order to guide the introduction of the tube 211 of the powder outlet with the end of the tube orientated upwardly.

[0126] Accordingly the cooperation between the tube guiding bumps 2113 and second pair of pins 2112 of the powder outlet with the first guiding grooves 1221a and the second guiding grooves 1221b respectively of the powder inlet enables guiding the introduction of the powder outlet in the receiving area with: [0127] the powder outlet being oriented upwardly, [0128] until the powder outlet reaches the first position.

[0129] In the first position, the path of powder is closed, firstly, because the end of the tube 211 is closed by the cover 212 and the cover abuts against the end wall 1224 of the receiving area and, secondly, because the outlet in the tube faces the end wall 1224 of the powder inlet and becomes closed by said wall. Accordingly, even if the connector is deprived of cover, in this first position the second end is closed by the wall 1224 and no path for powder exists anyway. Moreover due to the upwardly position of the end of the tube, powder remains in the pouch 2 by gravity.

[0130] Once the powder outlet is in the first position, the second pair of pins 2112 of the powder outlet can cooperate with third guiding grooves 1222 present on the symmetric lateral internal wall (one of the pair is not represented due to the cross section). These third guiding grooves present a curved design so that the powder outlet can be rotated in the receiving area. During the rotation, the cover 212 of the powder outlet is retained by the lip 1223 within the receiving area and consequently a path for powder is created. During the removal of the cover, the pair of pins 2112 slide along the guiding grooves 1222 and the bottom guiding edge 2122 of the cover is guided along the cover guiding bump 2114 on the lateral side of the tube 211 as illustrated in FIG. 2e. During the rotation the pin 2111 is able to rotate in a corresponding round guiding groove of the receiving area.

[0131] Accordingly while moving to the second position, the end of the tube 211 becomes oriented downwardly and the tube aligns itself on the internal tube of the powder inlet 12. Moreover, the cover is removed from the second end of the tube. As a consequence, a flow path is created for powder. Moreover, due to the new orientation of the tube, the operator is incited to move the pouch attached to the connector above the powder inlet so that powder can fill the tank 1 by gravity.

[0132] Consequently in this first mode, the system enables the introduction of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the powder inlet of the tank according to an upwardly translation up to the first position.

[0133] Different tanks 1 can be designed with slightly different design of guiding grooves 1221a, 1221b, 1222 so that only dedicated powder refilling containers 2 with corresponding designed pins 2111, 21112 and bumps 2113 are able to be engaged inside. For example the design can differ by the width, the length, the height, the position and/or the orientation of the grooves in the lateral walls of the receiving area 122. It becomes impossible for the operator to refill a tank dedicated to coffee powder with a powder refilling container containing milk powder for example.

[0134] FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of cooperation between the tank and the powder refilling container of the system of the first mode of FIGS. 2a-2c.

[0135] In step a1), the cover 121 of the powder inlet of the tank is opened.

[0136] In step a2) the powder refilling container 2 is moved with the powder outlet 21 oriented upwardly and according to an upwardly translation within the powder inlet 21 of the tank until it teaches the first position of step b).

[0137] Between step b) and c) the powder refilling container is rotated so as to reach the second position of step c): here the path for powder is created and refilling happens. As illustrated in the magnified view of step c), the tube guiding bump 2113 is positioned transversely to the guiding groove 1221a of the receiving area meaning that in this second position the operator cannot remove the powder outlet of the powder refilling container from the powder inlet of the storing chamber without rotating back the powder outlet. There is no risk that the operator lets powder flows out of the powder refilling container by mishandling. He/she can even stop holding the powder refilling container during the refilling, no mess is created around the tank since the power outlet remains attached to the powder inlet of the tank.

[0138] In step c), the tube o the powder outlet 21 is inclined with respect to vertical according to an angle of about 45°. This angle may vary according to the nature of the powder refilled in the tank, and in particular the flowability property of the powder.

[0139] Between step c) and d) the powder refilling container is rotated back so as to reach again the first position of step d): here the path for powder is closed.

[0140] In step e), the powder refilling container powder outlet can be removed from the receiving area, the powder outlet 21 being oriented upwardly.

[0141] This system guarantees that no powder can fall from the powder outlet or the powder inlet during the refilling operation.

[0142] FIG. 4a illustrates a system of a tank 1 and a powder refilling container 2 according to a second mode of the present invention. The tank 1 comprises a storing chamber 11 and a powder inlet 12. The powder inlet 12 protrudes at the upper part of the storing chamber. The powder inlet 12 comprises a removable cover 121 protecting the powder inlet 12 when the tank is not refilled. The powder refilling container 2 comprises a powder outlet 21.

[0143] FIG. 4b illustrates the system wherein the cover 121 of the powder inlet 12 of the tank has been removed to open the powder inlet. The powder inlet 12 comprises a receiving area 122 configured for receiving the powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container. The receiving area 122 is designed so as to receive the powder outlet 21, said outlet being oriented upwardly. FIG. 4b illustrates how the operator must position the powder refilling container to be able to introduce it inside the receiving area 122 of the powder inlet: as illustrated the powder refilling container must be hold so that the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly and the powder refilling container is introduced according to a downwardly translation movement.

[0144] FIG. 4c is a side view of FIG. 4b showing a cross section of the powder inlet 12 according to AA in FIG. 4b (whereas the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is represented according to a side view). The powder outlet 21 of the powder refilling container is a tube 211. The tube 211 comprises a first pair of symmetric pins 2111 and a second pair of symmetric pins 2112 on its external lateral sides (in FIG. 4c only one pin of each pair is apparent). Each pin 2111 of the first pair of symmetric pins presents a bump 2113.

[0145] The powder outlet comprises a cover 212 presenting a pair of symmetric guiding grooves on its external lateral sides (in FIG. 4c only one groove of each pair is apparent), said grooves cooperating with the second pair of pins 2112 of the powder outlet.

[0146] The receiving area 122 of the powder inlet 12 of the tank comprises a first guiding slot 1221a on its lateral internal wall cooperating with the tube guiding bumps 2113 on the lateral sides of the tube of the powder outlet; a corresponding symmetric first guiding slot is present on the symmetric lateral internal wall (not represented due to the cross section). These guiding slots 1221a in the receiving area present a straight design for guiding the translation movement of the operator when he/she introduces the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the receiving area with the powder outlet orientated upwardly.

[0147] Accordingly the cooperation between the tube guiding bumps 2113 with the guiding grooves 1221a of the powder inlet enables guiding the introduction of the powder outlet in the receiving area with: [0148] the powder outlet being oriented upwardly, [0149] until the powder outlet reaches the first position.

[0150] In the first position, the path of powder is closed, firstly, because the end of the tube 211 is closed by the cover 212 and the cover abuts against the end wall 1224 of the receiving area and, secondly, because the outlet in the tube faces the end wall 1224 of the powder inlet and becomes closed by said wall. Accordingly, even if the connector is deprived of cover, in this first position the second end is closed by the wall 1224 and no path for powder exists anyway. Moreover due to the upwardly position of the end of the tube, powder remains in the pouch 2 by gravity.

[0151] Once the powder outlet is in the first position, the second pair of pins 2112 of the powder outlet can cooperate with second guiding grooves 1222 present on the symmetric lateral internal wall of the receiving area (one of the pair is not represented due to the cross section). These second guiding grooves present a curved design so that the powder inlet can be rotated in the receiving area. During the rotation, the bottom edge of the cover 212 of the powder outlet is retained by the lip 1223 within the receiving area and a path for powder is created. During the removal of the cover, the pair of pins 2112 slide along the guiding grooves 1222. During the rotation the pin 2111 is able to rotate in a corresponding round guiding groove of the receiving area.

[0152] Accordingly while moving to the second position, the end of the tube 211 becomes oriented downwardly and the tube aligns itself on the internal tube of the powder inlet 12. Moreover, the cover is removed from the second end of the tube. As a consequence, a flow path is created for powder. Moreover, due to the new orientation of the tube, the operator is incited to move the pouch attached to the connector above the powder inlet so that powder can fill the tank 1 by gravity.

[0153] Consequently in this second mode, the system enables the introduction of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the powder inlet of the tank according to a downwardly translation down to the first position.

[0154] FIG. 5 illustrates the steps of cooperation between the tank and the powder refilling container of the system of the second mode of FIGS. 4a-4c.

[0155] In step a1), the cover 121 of the powder inlet of the tank is opened.

[0156] In step a2) the powder refilling container 2 is moved with the powder outlet 21 oriented upwardly and according to a downwardly translation within the receiving area of the powder inlet of the tank until it reaches the first position of step b).

[0157] Between step b) and c) the powder refilling container is rotated in a a vertical plane so as to reach the second position of step c): here the path for powder is created and refilling occurs.

[0158] Between step c) and d) the powder refilling container is rotated back so as to reach again the first position of step d): here the path for powder is closed.

[0159] In step e), the powder refilling container powder outlet can be removed from the receiving area, the powder outlet 21 being oriented upwardly.

[0160] This system guarantees that no powder can fall from the powder outlet or the powder inlet during the refilling operation.

[0161] FIG. 6 illustrates a beverage dispenser 4 comprising several beverage powder tanks 1 according to the invention. The tanks are positioned so that the powder inlets 12 are in the front of the dispenser, preferably at the upper part of the dispenser. Accordingly the operator can have direct access to the powder inlets 12 without opening the front door 43 of the dispenser. He/she just has to open the covers 121 of the powder inlets 12. Then the operator does not have to remove the tank form the dispenser for refilling. This operation is usually mandatory in current dispensers because there is a risk that the operator dirties the machine with powder during refilling. But in the present invention there is no such risk.

[0162] Behind the front door 13, the dispenser usually comprises beverage preparation units placed under powder tanks 1. The outlets of the tanks are oriented so as to deliver the beverage powder in the beverage preparation for contacting a dose of beverage powder with a diluent. The diluent is supplied by a fluid system comprising usually a boiler, a pump and a heater placed in the back part of the dispenser (not illustrated). The beverage preparation unit 21 delivers the beverage in a cup placed in a dispensing area 42.

[0163] The dispenser usually comprises an input device 41 for enabling a customer to select and order a beverage.

[0164] The tanks 1 can cooperate with motor shafts at their rear end in order to actuate the dosing devices inside the tanks.

[0165] Advantageously it is possible to retrofit existing powder tanks for storing a food or beverage powder of existing dispensers by simply removing the lid and replacing it with a lid comprising a receiving area in order to cooperate with a connector for refilling. Eventually the front door of the dispenser may be adapted too.

[0166] The system of the present invention presents the advantage of enabling the movement of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container in the powder inlet of the tank. Yet the system does not comprises any moving part, the system only induces the operator to make the right movement to orientate the powder refilling container in a manner that avoids any spilling of powder.

[0167] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

[0168] Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

[0169] As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to”.

LIST OF REFERENCES IN THE DRAWINGS

[0170] tank 1 [0171] storing chamber 11 [0172] powder inlet 12 [0173] cover 121 [0174] receiving area 122 [0175] guiding groove 1221a, 1221b, 1222 [0176] retaining means, lip 1223 [0177] end wall 1224 [0178] powder refilling container 2 [0179] powder outlet 21 [0180] tube 211 [0181] pin 2111, 2112 [0182] tube guiding bump 2113 [0183] cover guiding bump 2114 [0184] cover 212 [0185] guiding groove 2121 [0186] bottom guiding edge 2122 [0187] front edge 2123 [0188] powder 3 [0189] dispenser 4 [0190] input device 41 [0191] dispensing area 42 [0192] front side 43