EP2384524B1 - Module for a drink-preparation machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electrical modules for a machine for preparing drinks. It relates more particularly to the electrical connection of such modules within a beverage preparation machine. It will find particular application as electrical modules for machines for preparing hot drinks and especially for coffee machines.

In known manner, a beverage preparation machine comprises several modules each providing at least one particular function. Thus, for example, a machine generally comprises a boiler for heating a liquid and a pump for pressurizing the fluid. Depending on the beverage to prepare the machine may include a smaller or larger number of modules.

Each of these modules comprises a body and at least one electrical member carried by the body and to be supplied with electricity to operate.

For example, in a module constituting a boiler, the electric member may be a heating element producing heat when it is supplied with electricity. The electrical member needs to be connected to the electrical circuit of the machine. For this purpose, in the existing modules, the conductive wires connected to the electrical component are electrically connected to wires connected to the power supply circuit of the machine by pods of faston lug type.

In known manner, this type of connection comprises a female lug secured to a first wire and a male lug secured to a second wire adapted to be inserted into the female lug to provide electrical contact. The document DE-A-10317353 describes a module according to the preamble of claim 1.

Depending on the configuration of the machine and the module, the insertion of the male lug in the female lug may be particularly delicate. Moreover, a machine generally has many electrical components (for example: a boiler, a pump, various sensors, various LEDs in addition to the power supply circuit) so that the number of pods can be relatively large. Therefore, the risk that two wires are connected to each other in a wrong way is far from negligible.

These disadvantages make existing modules difficult to assemble and disassemble during maintenance operations in particular.

This is why the applicant has developed a module provided with connection means comprising at least one electrical contactor such as a contact pad intended to come into contact with a contact element carried by the feed circuit of the machine.

These connection means are arranged so that the positioning of the module in the machine, in its position of use, ensures contact between the pad of this module and the contact element of the machine, which consequently results in the electrical connection of the stud.

The correct positioning of the module in the machine thus guarantees a correct connection of each of the phase, neutral and, if necessary, earth terminals of the module. Furthermore, the module is shaped so that it can be secured to the machine in one or positions corresponding to its or its proper positions of use.

Thus, since the module is properly disposed in the machine, the electrical member can be supplied with electricity.

This connection allows a much faster assembly and disassembly of the module since in just a few movements the module is secured and electrically connected to the machine. In particular, the electrical wires being removed, there is no need to identify a specific lug and assemble with its associated lug. In addition, the risks of erroneous connections are also reduced. As a result, the risk of damage to the machine is reduced and user safety is significantly improved.

These characteristics of the boiler fit particularly well in an eco-design context. Indeed, the assembly and disassembly of the module being substantially facilitated and secure, the user can himself disassemble the module and return it for maintenance or exchange to a dedicated maintenance or recycling center. It can also replace this faulty module by a module in working order and put it back on the machine itself. Thus, there is no need to ship the machine as a whole which reduces the mass transported and therefore the emission of greenhouse gases accordingly.

The Applicant has discovered, unexpectedly, that during operation there is sometimes a slight electric arc or a small spark around the modules. However, an electric arc or a spark, even a weak one, can be at the origin of domestic fires whose consequences can be dramatic.

Thus, there is a need to provide an electrical module reducing the risk of malfunction of the machine and improving the safety of users.

For this purpose there is provided according to the invention an electrical module for beverage preparation machine comprising a body and at least one electrical member which is carried by the body and which requires to be supplied with electricity to operate, and comprising at least one contact pad electrically connected to the electrical member, and intended to come into contact with a contact element carried by an electrical circuit of the machine to supply electricity to the electrical member, the elastic means being arranged to apply to the pad contact a force tending to move the latter out of the body of the module.

Thus, the resilient means press the stud into contact with the contact element when the module is placed in its operating position. Therefore, this plating force ensures a stable connection between the module and the machine.

The applicant has found that the appearance of sparks is often due to a removal of even very momentary contact between the pad and the contact element.

The Applicant has also discovered that although the pad is initially placed in contact with the contact element, a suppression of this contact can be generated by vibrations generated by the pump of the machine or by thermal expansion.

The multiplication of cuts causes repeated sparks, the consequence of which is a sharp rise in the temperature of the metal parts in contact (several hundred degrees) which can cause the ignition of the non-metallic parts on contact.

Consequently, the module according to the invention makes it possible to ensure a stable and easy and intuitive connection for powering the electrical component of this module. The risk of arcing or sparks is reduced.

With this secure connection, provision can be made to supply the module with relatively high power currents. Indeed, the risk of occurrence of electric arcs or sparks are even higher than the module is powered by currents of high intensity. For example, to raise the temperature of a beverage to about 90 degrees in a matter of seconds, a module providing boiler functionality must be equipped with a high power density heating element. This type of heating element generally requires currents whose intensity is typically between 1 to 10 amps and whose power is typically between 1300 watts and 3500 watts.

The invention is therefore particularly well suited for modules equipped with at least one electrical member requiring high power, such as, for example, heaters with a high power density. In addition, the applicant has found that an unstable connection can cause a rapid deterioration of the module and limit the life of the latter. Indeed, the repetition of the sparks causes a "charbonnement" on the surface of the electrical contact pads. This local weathering increases the contact resistance at the passage of the current and causes a progressive power loss making the module quickly and inexorably inoperative. Thus, the invention tends to increase the life of the electric modules for beverage preparation machine.

• le plot de contact admet au moins un degré de liberté par rapport au corps du module. Le plot est agencé de sorte à pouvoir demeurer au contact de l'élément de contact alors que le module est déplacé par rapport à la machine selon une direction sensiblement parallèle à la normale à ce contact,
• le plot de contact est agencé pour coulisser dans un alésage formé dans le corps,
• l'effort généré par les moyens élastiques tend à plaquer le plot contre l'élément de contact,
• les moyens élastiques comprennent au moins un ressort de compression disposé entre un épaulement porté par le plot et une réduction de section d'alésage,
• le module comprend des moyens de butée pour limiter l'amplitude de la translation du plot dans le corps selon chacun des deux sens de cou lissement,
• le module comprend un élément saillant porté par le plot et destiné à venir au contact du corps dans un premier sens correspondant à un déplacement du plot hors du corps,
• l'élément saillant est formé par un circlip logé dans une gorge pratiquée dans le plot,
• le module comprend un organe de connexion en contact d'une part avec le plot et d'autre part avec l'organe électrique afin d'assurer une connexion électrique entre le plot et l'organe électrique,
• l'organe de connexion est solidaire du corps du module,
• il est agencé pour demeurer au contact du plot lorsque ce dernier coulisse par rapport au corps de sorte à maintenir une connexion électrique entre l'organe de connexion et le plot,
• l'organe de connexion glisse sur le plot,
• le plot comprend un méplat destiné à faire office de zone de contact par glissement lors du coulissement du plot par rapport au corps,
• l'organe de connexion comprend une élasticité et une configuration adaptées pour plaquer l'organe de connexion contre le plot,
• l'organe de connexion comporte une première portion destinée à être disposée au contact du plot, une deuxième portion destinée à être disposée au contact de l'organe électrique et un coude séparant les première et deuxième portions,
• le coude assure au moins en partie l'élasticité de l'organe de connexion,
• le module comprend deux éléments chauffants disposés de part et d'autre du plot, le plot étant associé à deux organes de connexion disposés en regard, de part et d'autre du plot et connectés respectivement à l'un des deux éléments chauffants,
• le module comprend une pluralité de plots,
• le module comporte un plot relié à la phase et un plot relié au neutre,
• le module comporte un plot relié à la terre, un plot relié à la phase et un plot relié au neutre, le plot de terre est agencé de sorte à être déconnecté en dernier lieu lorsque le module est retiré de la machine et de sorte à être connecté en premier lorsque le module est connecté à la machine,
• le plot de terre forme saillie au-delà des autres plots,
• le plot de terre est plus long que les autres plots,
• le module comporte au moins deux organes électriques et chacun des plots est commun à chacun des éléments chauffants,
• le module présente une symétrie selon deux plans de symétrie de manière à admettre plusieurs sens de montage sur la machine,
• le plot de terre passe par chacun des deux plans de symétrie,
• le module fait office de chaudière ou de pompe ou de vérin ou de capteur ou de refroidisseur ou de moulin à grains ou de signalisation visuelle ou sonore ou encore de mousseur à lait,
• le module est agencé de sort à être monté de manière amovible dans la machine.

The module according to the invention may additionally optionally have at least any of the following characteristics:

• the contact pad has at least one degree of freedom with respect to the body of the module. The stud is arranged so as to remain in contact with the contact element while the module is moved relative to the machine in a direction substantially parallel to the normal to this contact,
• the contact pad is arranged to slide in a bore formed in the body,
• the force generated by the elastic means tends to press the stud against the contact element,
• the elastic means comprise at least one compression spring disposed between a shoulder carried by the stud and a reduction of bore section,
• the module comprises stop means for limiting the amplitude of translation of the stud in the body according to each of the two directions of cou lissement,
• the module comprises a projecting element carried by the stud and intended to come into contact with the body in a first direction corresponding to a displacement of the stud out of the body,
• the projecting element is formed by a circlip housed in a groove made in the stud,
• the module comprises a connection member in contact on the one hand with the pad and on the other hand with the electrical member to ensure an electrical connection between the pad and the electric member,
• the connection member is integral with the module body,
• it is arranged to remain in contact with the stud when the latter slides relative to the body so as to maintain an electrical connection between the connection member and the stud,
• the connection member slides on the stud,
• the stud comprises a flat part intended to act as a contact zone by sliding during sliding of the stud relative to the body,
• the connection member comprises an elasticity and a configuration adapted to press the connection member against the stud,
• the connection member comprises a first portion intended to be disposed in contact with the stud, a second portion intended to be disposed in contact with the electrical member and a bend separating the first and second portions,
• the bend ensures at least partly the elasticity of the connecting member,
• the module comprises two heating elements arranged on either side of the pad, the pad being associated with two connecting members arranged facing each other, on either side of the pad and respectively connected to one of the two heating elements,
• the module comprises a plurality of pads,
• the module comprises a stud connected to the phase and a stud connected to the neutral,
• the module comprises a pad connected to the ground, a pad connected to the phase and a pad connected to the neutral, the earth pad is arranged to be disconnected last when the module is removed from the machine and so to be connected first when the module is connected to the machine,
• the earth stud protrudes beyond the other studs,
• the earth stud is longer than the other studs,
• the module comprises at least two electrical components and each of the pads is common to each of the heating elements,
• the module has a symmetry according to two planes of symmetry so as to admit several directions of mounting on the machine,
• the earth block passes through each of the two planes of symmetry,
• the module serves as a boiler or pump or cylinder or sensor or cooler or grain mill or visual or audible signal or milk frother,
• the module is arranged to be removably mounted in the machine.

Also provided according to the invention is a beverage preparation machine comprising an electrical circuit and at least one module requiring to be connected to the electrical circuit, and wherein the module comprises elastic means and a contact pad intended to be placed at the contact of a complementary contact element carried by the circuit to allow an electrical connection between the circuit and the module, the machine being arranged so that the elastic means apply to the contact pad a force tending to press and hold the pad against the complementary contact element.

• l'élément complémentaire de contact est une surface de contact portée par le circuit électrique,
• au moins un module est monté de manière amovible sur la machine.

Optionally the machine comprises at least any of the following features:

• the complementary contact element is a contact surface carried by the electric circuit,
• at least one module is removably mounted on the machine.

• le circuit électrique comprend un organe de connexion électriquement connecté d'une part avec le plot et d'autre part avec une source d'alimentation électrique du circuit électrique afin d'assurer une connexion électrique entre le plot et le module,
• l'organe de connexion est connectée à la source d'alimentation électrique,
• le plot est monté coulissant dans le circuit électrique et l'organe de connexion est agencé pour demeurer au contact du plot lorsque ce dernier coulisse par rapport au circuit de sorte à maintenir une connexion électrique entre le plot et la source d'alimentation électrique,
• l'organe de connexion glisse sur le plot,
• le plot comprend un méplat destiné à faire office de zone de contact par glissement lors du coulissement du plot par rapport au circuit électrique,
• l'organe de connexion comprend une élasticité et une configuration adaptées pour plaquer l'organe de connexion contre le plot,
• l'organe de connexion comporte une première portion destinée à être disposée au contact du plot, une deuxième portion destinée à être disposée au contact du module et un coude séparant les première et deuxième portions,
• le coude assure au moins en partie l'élasticité de l'organe de connexion,
• le circuit électrique comprend une pluralité de plots,
• le circuit électrique comporte un plot relié à la phase et un plot relié au neutre,
• le circuit électrique comporte un plot relié à la terre, un plot relié à la phase et un plot relié au neutre, le plot de terre est agencé de sorte à être déconnecté en dernier lieu lorsque le module est retiré de la machine et de sorte à être connecté en premier lorsque le module est connecté à la machine,
• le plot de terre forme saillie au-delà des autres plots,
• le plot de terre est plus long que les autres plots,

Also provided according to the invention is a beverage preparation machine comprising an electrical circuit and at least one module requiring to be connected to the electrical circuit, and wherein the circuit comprises elastic means and a contact pad intended to be placed at contact of a complementary contact element carried by the module to allow an electrical connection between the circuit and the module, the machine being arranged so that the elastic means apply to the contact pad a force tending to press and hold the pad against the complementary contact element. Optionally this machine may have at least any of the following characteristics:

• the electrical circuit comprises a connection member electrically connected on the one hand with the pad and on the other hand with a source supplying electrical power to the electrical circuit in order to ensure an electrical connection between the pad and the module,
• the connection member is connected to the power source,
• the stud is slidably mounted in the electrical circuit and the connection member is arranged to remain in contact with the stud when the latter slides relative to the circuit so as to maintain an electrical connection between the stud and the power supply source,
• the connection member slides on the stud,
• the stud comprises a flat part intended to act as a contact zone by sliding during sliding of the stud relative to the electric circuit,
• the connection member comprises an elasticity and a configuration adapted to press the connection member against the stud,
• the connection member comprises a first portion intended to be arranged in contact with the stud, a second portion intended to be arranged in contact with the module and a bend separating the first and second portions,
• the bend ensures at least partly the elasticity of the connecting member,
• the electrical circuit comprises a plurality of pads,
• the electrical circuit comprises a stud connected to the phase and a stud connected to the neutral,
• the electrical circuit comprises a pad connected to the ground, a pad connected to the phase and a pad connected to the neutral, the earth pad is arranged to be disconnected last when the module is removed from the machine and so to be connected first when the module is connected to the machine,
• the earth stud protrudes beyond the other studs,
• the earth stud is longer than the other studs,

In addition, there is provided a method of assembling the module described above wherein there is at least one connecting member in a bore carried by the body, there is a spring on the stud, the stud is inserted into the bore so to constrain the connecting member and the stop means is provided to prevent the involuntary withdrawal of the stud from the bore.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de module selon l'invention coupée selon un premier plan, ce module étant une chaudière,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la chaudière illustrée en figure 1 coupée selon un deuxième plan parallèle au premier plan,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un plot de contact associé à un organe de connexion partiellement présenté,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du plot de contact illustré en figure 3 associé à un ressort, un circlip et deux organes de connexions partiellement représentés,
• la figure 5 est en vue en perspective de l'organe de connexion,
• les figures 6 et 7 illustrent deux variantes de réalisation de l'organe de connexion représenté en figure 5.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary module according to the invention cut in a first plane, this module being a boiler,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the boiler illustrated in figure 1 cut along a second plane parallel to the foreground,
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of a contact pad associated with a partially presented connection member,
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the contact pad illustrated in figure 3 associated with a spring, a circlip and two partially represented connection members,
• the figure 5 is in perspective view of the connection member,
• the figures 6 and 7 illustrate two embodiments of the connection member shown in FIG. figure 5 .

An example an electrical module according to the invention will now be detailed with reference to Figures 1 to 5 . This example module concerns a boiler. It is not limiting. All the features described in this example can be applied to electrical modules having a different functionality of the boiler functionality. These characteristics may in particular be applied to a module acting as pump, cylinder, sensor, cooler, grain mill, visual or sound signaling or milk frother.

The module is a boiler 1. It comprises a body 10 comprising two flanges 12 forming an outer shell. Faced with each of the flanges 12 is a diffuser 13. The combination of a flange 12 and the outer face of the diffuser 13 associated therewith defines a heating chamber 17. Advantageously, this heating chamber forms a circulation channel 17 for the fluid. Preferably a peripheral seal 14 is disposed between the flange 12 and the outer face of the diffuser 13 and around the heating chamber 17, so as to seal the latter.

The heating chamber 17 also comprises at least one inlet 16 and at least one outlet 16 intended to be connected to a fluidic network to allow the circulation of the fluid in the boiler 1. In particular, it can be provided that the inlet 16 of the boiler 1 is in communication with a pump fed by a tank and that the outlet 16 of the boiler 1 is connected to an extraction chamber of a product to be infused.

Advantageously, the body 10 comprises a support 18 arranged to support the diffusers 13. This support 18 may also be shaped to receive the flanges 12 and define a one-piece assembly.

Each diffuser 13 is associated with at least one electrical member intended to be supplied with electricity. In the case where the module is a boiler, the organ Electric is a heating element. Advantageously, the heating element is a resistive ink screen-printed resistor deposited on an internal face of the diffuser 13 opposite to the external face of the latter. The heating element may also be resistive wire type. Each heating element is electrically connected to a power source. When the heating element is supplied with electricity, it produces heat which propagates to the diffuser 13 and then to the liquid present in the heating chamber.

Each heating element has at least two electrical terminals, one for the neutral and one for the phase. Preferably, and as will be detailed later, the boiler 1 also comprises a grounding terminal of the metal parts of the boiler 1. Note that this grounding terminal is useful only for reasons regulations for the protection of goods and persons, generally for modules involving liquid or visible metal parts.

The module comprises electrical connection means. These means are arranged so that when the module, for example serving as a boiler is disposed in the machine in its position of use, the connection means establish an electrical contact between the terminals of the module with the electrical circuit of the machine. As indicated above, this specificity of the module allows particularly easy assembly and disassembly of the latter on the machine. It thus tends to significantly reduce maintenance, transport and manufacturing costs. In addition, it facilitates the design and production of modular machines. In these machines each function is provided by a dedicated module. This type of modular machine can reduce manufacturing and design costs since a wide range of machines can be obtained by varying the number and layout of common modules.

The electrical connection between the electrical circuit of the machine and any of the phase, neutral or earth terminals will now be detailed. The connection means comprise a connection pad 2, 3, 4 for each of the phase, neutral and earth terminals.

Preferably, these pads 2, 3, 4 have substantially identical structures. The following description refers to only one of these pads, illustrated more particularly in figures 3 and 4 . It is also recalled that the earth stud is only optional.

The stud 20 is made of a conductive material. It acts as contactor. It is electrically connected to at least one heating element. It is also arranged for making contact with a contact element carried by the electrical circuit of the machine to establish an electrical connection between the heating element and the contact element of the machine. Advantageously, the stud 20 extends in a main direction. In this direction, it has a first end and a second end. The first end forms a head 21, intended to come into contact with the contact element. Between the head 21 and the second end, the stud comprises a rod 22. It is at or approximately near the second end that the electrical connection between the stud 20 and the heating element is established between the head 21 and the second end.

The body 10 of the boiler 1 comprises a bore 30. As illustrated in the example shown, this bore 30 can be formed in the support 18. According to an alternative not shown, it can be provided that this bore 30 is formed in the outer shell of the boiler 1 formed for example by the flanges 12, or by a one-piece body. The bore 30 and the pad 20 are configured so that the pad 20 can be inserted into the bore 30.

Advantageously, the bore 30 forms for the stud 20 a guide in translation along a sliding axis. Thus, the stud can slide in the bore 30 at a guide surface. The sliding axis defines a first direction designated plating direction 5 in which the stud 20 tends to exit out of the boiler 1, and a second direction opposite the first, designated insertion direction 6 and wherein the stud 20 penetrates inside the boiler 1.

The bore 30 is open, so that the head 21 of the stud 20 is accessible from outside the boiler 1. In the example illustrated, the head 21 projects out of the outer casing of the boiler 1.

The boiler 1 comprises elastic means arranged to exert a force on the stud 20 so as to push the latter in the plating direction 5. Thus, under the effect of this effort, the stud 20 tends to come out of the body of the boiler 10.

The boiler 1 is arranged so that in positioning operation, when the boiler 1 is positioned in the machine, the pad 20 is opposite the contact element associated therewith. Furthermore, the boiler 1 is shaped so that this force plates the head 21 of the stud 20 in contact with the contact element. Therefore, when relative movements between the boiler 1 and the machine occur, the pad admits a relative movement with respect to the boiler 1 but remains firmly in contact with the contact element. Thus, the electrical contact is maintained by this plating force. The electrical contact is thus not interrupted, especially when another module such as a pump generates vibrations which tend to cause relative movements, even of high amplitude, between the boiler 1 and the machine. The applicant having discovered that the appearance of any sparks is due to momentary deletions of the contact, and this contact being stabilized by the specific means of the invention, the risks of occurrence of sparks are therefore considerably reduced.

Moreover, the applicant has observed that this contact can be suppressed under the effect in particular of deformations of the boiler 1 which can be generated by the relatively high pressure prevailing inside the heating chamber. However, to obtain espresso coffee, a pressure of the order of 14 to 20 bar is indeed necessary. Furthermore, the applicant has found that deformations of the boiler 1 can be generated by large temperature variations to which the boiler 1 can be subjected. However, the diffuser 13 can be increased to about 120 degrees.

These deformations are not homogeneous, they tend to separate the stud 20 of the contact element associated with it.

The invention thus makes it possible to avoid these deletions of contact. It therefore offers a solution to power a boiler requiring a high power, subjected to vibrations and providing high temperatures and pressures. It thus effectively meets the specific constraints related to the preparation of espresso coffee.

As illustrated in figure 3 in particular, the rod 22 of the stud 20 has a predominantly cylindrical shape. The head 21 has a greater transverse dimension than the rest of the stud 20. Thus, the junction between the rod 22 and the head 21 forms a shoulder 23.

The elastic means comprise a compression spring 32. Preferably, this spring 32 is supported on the one hand on the shoulder 23 and on the other hand on a surface of the body 10 forming a first stop. Advantageously, this first abutment is formed by a reduction in the diameter of the bore 30. This reduction in diameter forms a bearing for guiding the stud 20 in translation. Thus, the spring 32 bears on the head 21 and on the first stop. It thus tends to move the head 21 away from the bore 30. Preferably, the spring 32 is cylindrical and its dimensions are chosen so that it is threaded onto the rod 22 of the stud. The spring 32 and the first stop thus form for the block a translational stop in the direction of insertion 6.

Advantageously, the elastic means are clipped at their associated contact element. Thus, they tend to keep the boiler 1 in its position of use.

The stud 20 also comprises a projecting element intended to come into contact with a second stop carried by the body 10 of the boiler 1 and forming for the stud 20 a stop in translation in the plating direction 5. This second stop is formed in the bore 30. Preferably it is defined by a reduction of section 31 of the bore 30. Advantageously, this section reduction 31 forms a translational guide surface for the stud within the bore 30.

The projecting element is formed by the rod 22 of the stud or is, preferably, attached to the rod 22 of the stud. It can be provided that the latter has a groove 24 for receiving a circlip 33 acting as a projecting element.

Thus, the stud 20 can slide in the bore 30, the length of its stroke being limited by the relative position of the stops of the head 21 and the projecting element.

Advantageously, the electrical connection means comprise a connection member 50 arranged to provide an electrical connection between the stud 20 and the heating element forming an electrical member.

The connection member 50 has a contact portion 56 integral with the heating element. Thus it admits a relative movement with respect to the pad 20 when the boiler 1 itself admits a relative movement with respect to the machine 7 since the pad 20 remains pressed against the contact element of the electric circuit of the machine. In order to ensure a stable electrical connection between the connection member 50 and the stud 20 during the sliding of the latter in the boiler 1, these connection means are arranged so that the connection member 50 remains in contact with the stud and slide on it. To promote this sliding contact, it is expected that the connection member 50 comprises a first portion 51 having a substantially flat surface 52 intended to come into contact with a sliding contact zone formed on the pad. This sliding contact zone forms on the rod 22 a flat 25 adapted to define with the first portion 51 of the connection member 50 a plane-to-plane connection. The first portion 51 of the connection member 50 and the contact area of the pad 20 are arranged so that during sliding, the surface of their mutual contact is large enough to transmit large currents. Advantageously, the flat 25 extends along the main direction of the stud and from the second end of the latter.

The connection means comprise plating means arranged to press the connection member 50 against the stud.

Advantageously, the main direction of this force is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force exerted by the spring 32 on the stud. These plating means and generate a contact force tending to prevent any contact removal between the stud and the connection member 50.

These plating means are particularly advantageous. Indeed, the applicant has observed that the contact between the connection member 50 and the stud can be suppressed under the effect in particular of deformations of the boiler 1 which can be generated by the relatively high pressure prevailing inside the heating chamber or that can be generated by significant temperature variations.

These deformations are not homogeneous, which may tend to separate the connection member 50 of the stud. Furthermore, movements transmitted to the machine, for example by another module such as a vibrating pump equipping the hydraulic circuit of the machine, also tend to break the contact between the stud 20 and the connection member 50.

The invention thus makes it possible to ensure a stable electrical connection regardless of the relative movement of the stud with respect to the body 10. The connection member 50 associated with the stud 20 thus offers an effective solution for ensuring electrical stability for working boilers. under high pressure, high temperature and subjected to vibrations.

The combination of the elastic means and the connection member 50 thus makes it possible to generate plating forces in several directions and therefore ensures stability of the electrical contact even if the boiler 1 is moved relative to the machine in several directions.

The connection member 50 comprises a first portion 51 intended to ensure the sliding contact with the stud and a second portion 53 separated from the first portion 51 by a bend 55. This bend 55, obtained by deformation, gives the body Connection 50 has a good compressive elasticity when a force tends to bring the first and second portions together.

The second portion 53 is extended by a contact portion 56 intended to ensure contact and maintenance between the connecting member 50 and the heating element.

Advantageously, the connection member 50 is arranged so that in the rest position, when in contact with the stud, it is slightly deformed so as to exert a prestress on the stud. Thus, if the stud tends to move away from the connection member 50, the elbow will relax and the contact will be maintained. Furthermore, if the pad has a tendency to approach the connection member 50, the elbow 55 will bend and tend to return the pad to its initial position while maintaining the electrical contact.

Therefore, the constraints imposed on the boiler 1 are compensated by spring effect by the flexible connection member 50.

The connection member 50, as previously described by its functions or its various arrangements, in particular in the characterizing parts of claims 4 to 7, can be used on an electrical module not comprising the elastic means 32. By therefore, this connection member 50 cooperating with the stud 20 may be subject to independent protection.

Advantageously, each stud is disposed in contact with two connecting members 50 disposed on either side of the stud. This configuration thus ensures a positioning of the pad and all the electrical connection means particularly stable.

Optionally, the boiler 1 comprises two diffusers 13 disposed on either side of the pad, each diffuser 13 being associated with a heating element connected to a respective connection member 50. The stud 20 then comprises two flats 25 each associated with a connection member 50 as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

It can be provided that the stud 20 is equipped with one, three, four or more connecting members 50, these connecting members 50 being connected to the same heating element, or a respective heating element.

The pad is made of a material having good electrical conductivity, such as brass, tin, copper, silver, platinum or gold and their respective alloys or plating.

The configuration of the stud 20 and its material are suitable for transmitting high power currents. Advantageously, it is obtained by cold stamping. The flexible connection member 50 is also made of a material having good electrical conductivity and adequate mechanical characteristics in elasticity such as alloys based on copper and nickel and / or silicon such as cupronickel or cuprosilicium. The basic material with adequate elastic characteristics can also be coated with another metal with high electrical conductivity such as copper, tin, silver, platinum or gold.

As mentioned above, by placing on the same pad 20 several connection members 50 respectively connected to an electrical member such as a heating element, it is possible to supply several diffusers 13 with a same pad. This feature is particularly advantageous since it greatly simplifies the electrical parts of the module and the machine while providing a large heating capacity. This characteristic then requires passing through the pads relatively high currents and typically of the order of 10 amperes. The invention finds in this application a particularly advantageous advantage since on the one hand it offers a connection per pad adapted to high power and since on the other hand it ensures effective stability of this connection.

In addition, having a single electrical inlet for several heating elements reduces the length of electrical paths. Therefore, the invention reduces the risk of short circuit.

Preferably, the module forming the boiler 1 comprises three pads, each of these pads acting respectively as earth terminal 2, neutral 3 and phase 4. Particularly advantageously, the boiler 1 is arranged so that at its connection on the electrical circuit of the machine, the pad of the earth terminal 2 comes into contact with its associated contact element before the pads of the phase and neutral terminals 3, 4 come into contact with their contact element respective.

Furthermore, the boiler 1 is arranged so that when connected to the electrical circuit of the machine, the contacts between the neutral and phase pads with their respective connection elements are removed before the contact between the ground pin and its associated contact element are deleted.

Thus, when current flows in the boiler 1, the earth terminal 2 is always connected to the grounding of the machine. This variant makes it possible to significantly secure the assembly and disassembly of the boiler 1.

For this purpose, it will be possible, for example, to provide for the earth stud to protrude beyond the neutral and phase pads. In particular, the earth stud may be longer or the second stop may be shifted in the direction of plating relative to the second stops of the neutral and phase pads.

Advantageously, the module has a symmetry so that it does not require a particular direction of assembly. Specifically, it is expected that it admits two symmetries in two perpendicular planes. The earth pad is disposed on each of the two planes of symmetry. The phase pad is symmetrically disposed to the neutral pad according to one of the planes, so that they are interchangeable. Furthermore, the electrical and fluidic components of the boiler module 1 are also symmetrical and arranged to allow different directions of assembly of the boiler 1 on the machine. Thus, each of these two pads can indifferently be connected to one of the phase or neutral contact elements of the electrical circuit of the machine. In the illustrated example, the boiler module 1 can be connected in a first position or in a second position by imposing, from the first position, a rotation of 180 degrees around the main axis of the grounding stud.

This feature is particularly advantageous since it facilitates and greatly speeds up the mounting of the module on the machine. Moreover, it eliminates the risks of inversion of polarities. This characteristic thus allows the invention to fully register in the eco-design context mentioned above by reducing the number of components of the machine and consequently its environmental impact.

The invention also offers great ease of assembly and disassembly for the module. Indeed, to assemble the module it is necessary to proceed in particular to the following steps. The spring 32 is arranged on the stud. The stud is inserted into the bore 30. The circlip 33 is placed on the stud.

The following steps are also preferably carried out after the preceding steps. The connection member 50 is positioned in its housing. The heating element 13 is arranged so that, at its contact, the connection member 50 deforms in order to exert prestressing both on the stud and on the heating element to ensure their mutual contact. The disassembly of the connection means is obtained by performing the preceding steps in the opposite direction.

Thus, the assembly and disassembly of the connection means are particularly simple. The invention thus contributes to reducing the manufacturing, maintenance and recycling costs of the electrical module. Furthermore, by facilitating the dismountability of the components of the boiler 1, the invention contributes to meet the criteria of eco-design in terms of recycling of materials at the end of life of the product.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to any embodiment within its spirit.

In particular, it is possible for the stud (s) 20 not to project on the boiler 1 and for the contact elements of the machine to be arranged to come into contact with a stud when the boiler 1 is in the operating position on the machine. . The connection elements of the machine may thus have complementary shapes of the boiler 1, and may for example form complementary protuberances of the studs arranged recessed relative to the outer casing of the boiler 1.

It will also be possible to vary the configuration of the contact between the stud and the contact element. For this purpose, it can be provided, as in the example shown, that the head 21 of the pad is generally spherical. It can also be provided that the contact element is substantially plane so that the contact is of point type. We can also provide that this contact is of linear type or plan on plan. For this purpose the head of the stud may have a free end substantially flat or linear.

As indicated above, the present invention can be applied for each of the modules requiring a power supply. In particular, all the characteristics relating to the pad and the connection member and to their functions and interactions can be applied to electrical modules other than boilers.

Thus, the invention provides a particularly effective solution to improve the assembly and disassembly of beverage preparation machines.

In order to disclose the invention for each of the modules of a machine, variants may be provided for the electrical connection between the connection member 50, 50a, 50b and the electrical member requiring the power supply. It is thus possible to adapt the shape of the contact portion 56, 57, 58 providing the electrical connection between the contact member 50, 50bis, 50ter and the electrical member.

In particular, provision is made according to a first variant illustrated in figure 6 that the contact portion 56 has a FASTON terminal type termination.

According to a second variant illustrated in figure 7 that the connection member 50ter has a contact portion 56 forming a termination directly crimped on the electrical cable connected to the electrical member. This variant allows a continuity of power supply in a module that can be subjected to significant vibration and expansion and wherein the flexibility and flexibility of the electrical cable can overcome the effects of vibration and expansion.

Each of the connection members 50bis and 50ter has the same characteristics and functions as those described for the connection member 50 except for the configuration of their contact portion termination 57, 58. In particular, the connection members 50bis and 50ter both provide a plating function to maintain a reliable electrical contact between the pad and the electrical member.

In each of these variants, the module is arranged so that the portion 51, 52 of the connection member 50, 50bis, 50ter intended to come into contact with the cooperating surface 25 of the stud 20 exerts on the latter a contact force. Each of these variants provides a particularly safe electrical connection between the module and the machine and considerably facilitates assembly and disassembly of the modules on the machine.

REFERENCES

1.

Boiler

2.

Plot of contact - earth

3.

Contact Placement - Neutral

4.

Contact point - phase

5.

Plating direction

6.

Insertion direction

10.

Boiler body

12.

flabby

13.

Diffuser

14.

Perimeter seal

16.

Fluid outlet / inlet

17.

Traffic channel

18.

Support

20.

Contact Plot

21.

Head

22.

stem

23.

shoulder

24.

Throat

25.

flat

30.

bore

31.

Section reduction

32.

Spring

33.

circlip

50.

Connection organ

51.

First portion

52.

Contact surface

53.

Second portion

55.

Elbow

56.

Portion of contact - first variant

57.

Portion of contact - second variant

58.

Portion of contact - third variant

Claims (13)

1. An electrical module (1) for a beverage preparation machine comprising a body (10) and at least one electrical component which is supported by the body (10) and which requires supplying with electricity in order to operate,
   characterised in that it comprises at least one contact stud (20) connected electrically to the electrical component and designed to enter into contact with a contact component on an electrical circuit of the machine in order to supply the electrical component with electricity, and in that it is equipped with flexible means arranged to apply a force to the contact stud (20) tending to move the latter out of the body (10) of the module (1).
2. A module (1) according to the preceding claims wherein the contact stud (20) is arranged so as to slide in a bore (30) created in the body (10).
3. A module (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the elastical means comprise at least one compression spring (32) arranged between a shoulder (23) supported by a stud (20) and a narrowing of the section (31) of the bore (30).
4. A module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a connecting component (50) in contact on the one hand with the stud (20) and on the other with the electrical component so as to ensure an electrical connection between the stud (20) and the electrical component.
5. A module (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the connecting componenet (50) is secured to the body (10) and arranged so that it remains in contact with the stud (20) when the latter moves relative to the body (10) so as to maintain an electrical connection between the connecting component (50) and the stud (20).
6. A module (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the connecting component (50) has an elasticity and a configuration that cause it to apply an application force on the stud (20).
7. A module (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the connecting component (50) comprises a first portion (51) designed to be placed in contact with the stud (20), and a second portion (53) arranged so that it is in contact with the electrical component and an elbow (55) separating the first and second portions, the elbow (55) ensuring at least in part the elasticity of the connecting component (50).
8. A module (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, comprising two electrical components arranged on either side of the stud (20), the stud (20) being associated with the two connecting components (50) arranged opposite on either side of the stud (20) and respectively connected to one of the two electrical components, each electrical component being a heating element.
9. A module (1) according to the preceding claim wherein for each electrical component, the module (1) is equipped with a stud for use as an earth terminal (2), a stud for use as a phase terminal (4) and a stud for use as a neutral terminal (3), and arranged so that the earth stud (2) is disconnected last of all when the module (1) is withdrawn from the machine and in a manner that ensures that the earth stud (2) is connected first when the module (1) is connected to the machine.
10. module (1) according to any one of the two previous claims arranged so as to be symmetrical in two planes to allow the module (1) to be fitted in several directions on the machine.
11. A module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims acting as a boiler or pump or a sensor or a cooler or a grinder or visual or aural signalling means or milk frother.
12. A machine for preparing beverages comprising an electrical circuit and at least one module (1) according to any preceding claim.
13. A method of manufacturing a module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in which there is at least one connecting component (50) in a bore (30) supported by the body (10), a spring (32) being arranged on the stud (20), the stud (20) being inserted into the bore (30) so as to constrain the connecting member (50), and stop means being arranged to prevent the inadvertent withdrawal of the stud (20) from the bore (30).

Images