EP3119246A1 - Beverage machine with exchangeable outermost panels - Google Patents
Beverage machine with exchangeable outermost panelsInfo
- Publication number
- EP3119246A1 EP3119246A1 EP15709946.6A EP15709946A EP3119246A1 EP 3119246 A1 EP3119246 A1 EP 3119246A1 EP 15709946 A EP15709946 A EP 15709946A EP 3119246 A1 EP3119246 A1 EP 3119246A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- machine
- removable
- panel
- ingredient
- shielding cover
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0 abstract claims description title 41
- 239000004615 ingredients Substances 0 abstract claims description 68
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0 claims description 33
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0 claims description 15
- 239000000463 materials Substances 0 claims description 13
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0 claims description 12
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0 claims description 12
- 229910000529 magnetic ferrites Inorganic materials 0 claims description 9
- 229910000859 α-Fe Inorganic materials 0 claims description 9
- 239000007787 solids Substances 0 claims description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0 claims description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0 claims description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0 claims description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0 claims description 3
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0 claims description 3
- 229910052751 metals Inorganic materials 0 claims description 3
- 238000000034 methods Methods 0 claims description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0 claims description 3
- 239000007788 liquids Substances 0 description 10
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0 description 3
- 240000000280 Theobroma cacao Species 0 description 3
- 238000004089 heat treatment Methods 0 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0 description 3
- 210000004080 Milk Anatomy 0 description 2
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0 description 2
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0 description 2
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0 description 2
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0 description 2
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0 description 2
- 238000003786 synthesis Methods 0 description 2
- 240000007154 Coffea arabica Species 0 description 1
- 241000282414 Homo sapiens Species 0 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound data:image/svg+xml;base64,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 data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0nMS4wJyBlbmNvZGluZz0naXNvLTg4NTktMSc/Pgo8c3ZnIHZlcnNpb249JzEuMScgYmFzZVByb2ZpbGU9J2Z1bGwnCiAgICAgICAgICAgICAgeG1sbnM9J2h0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnJwogICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgeG1sbnM6cmRraXQ9J2h0dHA6Ly93d3cucmRraXQub3JnL3htbCcKICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rJwogICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICB4bWw6c3BhY2U9J3ByZXNlcnZlJwp3aWR0aD0nODVweCcgaGVpZ2h0PSc4NXB4JyA+CjwhLS0gRU5EIE9GIEhFQURFUiAtLT4KPHJlY3Qgc3R5bGU9J29wYWNpdHk6MS4wO2ZpbGw6I0ZGRkZGRjtzdHJva2U6bm9uZScgd2lkdGg9Jzg1JyBoZWlnaHQ9Jzg1JyB4PScwJyB5PScwJz4gPC9yZWN0Pgo8dGV4dCB4PSczMy45OTU4JyB5PSc0OS41JyBzdHlsZT0nZm9udC1zaXplOjE0cHg7Zm9udC1zdHlsZTpub3JtYWw7Zm9udC13ZWlnaHQ6bm9ybWFsO2ZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eToxO3N0cm9rZTpub25lO2ZvbnQtZmFtaWx5OnNhbnMtc2VyaWY7dGV4dC1hbmNob3I6c3RhcnQ7ZmlsbDojMDAwMDAwJyA+PHRzcGFuPkFsPC90c3Bhbj48L3RleHQ+Cjwvc3ZnPgo= [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0 description 1
- 235000008452 baby food Nutrition 0 description 1
- 238000006065 biodegradation Methods 0 description 1
- 235000005764 cacao Nutrition 0 description 1
- 235000005767 cacao Nutrition 0 description 1
- 235000001046 cacaotero Nutrition 0 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0 description 1
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0 description 1
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0 description 1
- 239000006071 creams Substances 0 description 1
- 230000001965 increased Effects 0 description 1
- 238000009740 moulding (composite fabrication) Methods 0 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0 description 1
- 229920003023 plastics Polymers 0 description 1
- 239000000843 powders Substances 0 description 1
- 230000014860 sensory perception of taste Effects 0 description 1
- 239000000126 substances Substances 0 description 1
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0 description 1
- 230000035917 taste Effects 0 description 1
- 235000019640 taste Nutrition 0 description 1
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0 description 1
- 239000010981 turquoise Substances 0 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/4403—Constructional details
- A47J31/4407—Lids, covers or knobs
Abstract
Description
BEVERAGE MACHINE WITH EXCHANGEABLE OUTERMOST PANELS
Field of the Invention
The field of the invention pertains to beverage machines, in particular to the ability to adjust the appearance of the machine to its environment and/or its functional versatility to match the preferences of different users by providing external panels that can be exchanged by a user.
For the purpose of the present description, a
"beverage" is meant to include any human-consumable liquid substance, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc... A "capsule" is meant to include any pre-portioned beverage ingredient, such as a flavouring ingredient, within an enclosing packaging of any material, in particular an airtight packaging, e.g. plastic, aluminium, recyclable and/or biodegradable packagings, and of any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges containing the ingredient.
Background Art
Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules containing ingredients to be extracted or to be dissolved; for other machines, the ingredients are stored and dosed automatically in the machine or else are added at the time of preparation of the drink.
Most coffee machines possess filling means that include a pump for liquid, usually water, which pumps the liquid from a source of water that is cold or indeed heated through heating means, such as a heating resistor, a thermoblock or the like.
Such machine typically have a brewing unit for holding and extraction the beverage ingredient. To introduce the ingredient into the brewing unit and then remove the ingredient upon use, the brewing unit has a closure mechanism that may be driven by a handle that is operable by a user.
Examples of beverage machines and other household appliances are described in DE 196 47 039, DE 2 019 445, EP 1 208 782, EP 1 829 469, EP 1 864 598, EP 1 878 368, GB 847 662, US 7,165,488, US 2008/0006159, WO 2005/060801, WO 2007/111884, WO 2006/005756, WO 2006/104575 and WO 2009/043630.
WO 2010/015427 discloses a beverage machine having a main body containing at least part of a fluid system for preparing a beverage from an ingredient housed in a brewing unit and an outermost casing for containing and shielding the main body. The casing comprises at least one panel that is detachably mounted onto the main body or to further parts of the casing by connection means, e.g. screwing or clipping, that are arranged to be accessible and connectable and disconnectable by a user to remove and substitute the panel by another compatible panel having a different colour or texture or profile or incorporating a retractable support. The disclosed panel forms an exchangeable outermost panel fixed and covering an inner solid panel of the machine's frame so that the exchange of the panel does not expose the user to inner machine parts.
Summary of the Invention
It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a beverage machine with a panel exchangeable by a user without exposure of the user to safety issues, the exchangeable panel covering however an area of the inside of the machine that should be accessible for servicing or repair by service personal.
The invention thus relates to a machine for preparing a beverage from an ingredient e.g. a flavouring ingredient, for example a beverage from a pre-portioned ingredient such as an ingredient supplied to such machine within a capsule.
For instance, the machine is a coffee, tea or soup machine, in particular a machine for preparing within an extraction unit a beverage by passing hot or cold water or another liquid through a capsule or pod containing an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, such as ground coffee or tea or chocolate or cacao or milk powder.
The machine comprises: a unit for processing the ingredient; a housing shielding at least part of the processing unit; and a removable outermost panel, such as a plurality of panels optionally facing panels.
The processing unit may include an ingredient mixing unit, e.g. a brewing unit, for housing the ingredient and mixing it with another ingredient, e.g. a carrier liquid such as water and/or a flavouring ingredient.
A translational closure mechanism can be associated with the mixing unit to open and close it. A rotational closure mechanism or a combined (rotational and translational) closure mechanism can provided. Example of mixing units and their opening/closure mechanism are discussed in greater details in WO 01/15581, WO 2005/004683, WO 2007/135135, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630 and WO 2012/025258.
Typically, the processing unit includes one or more of a pump, thermal conditioner (heater and/or cooler), drip tray, ingredient collector, liquid tank and fluid connection system for providing a fluid connection between the liquid tank and a mixing unit, etc... Furthermore, a control unit may be implemented in the machine to control the operation of the machine, e.g. of a pump and/or thermal conditioner and/or energy management. Suitable components and control units are for example disclosed in WO 2009/043865, WO 2009/130099, WO 2010/006953 and WO 2010/108700 and the references cited therein . In accordance with the invention, the housing comprises a frame delimiting an opening giving access to at least part of the processing unit, the opening being covered by a removable shielding cover, e.g. a safety cover, that is in turn covered by the removable outermost panel .
The outermost panel and shielding cover may be configured to be removable without accessing the inside of the machine's housing or its frame.
Hence, a user may easily change the appearance of the machine by exchanging the outermost panels with different panels having the same assembly arrangement, e.g. outermost panels having a different colour or colour arrangement and/or a different profile or texture and align it (or dis-align it) to an environment into which the user wishes to locate the machine or according to the user's visual preferences. The change of panel may involve a change of function associated with a panel. For instance, a removable panel may include a mere covering or dress function and/or one or more other functions such as a support function and/or incorporate another functional element e.g. of the type disclosed in WO 2010/015427. Moreover, the removal of the outermost panel does not expose the user to the inner machine components and vice versa. Such inner components are though accessible by service personal, for instance specially and/or equipped trained personal, upon removable of the shielding cover and uncovering of the opening in the frame. Hence, the shielding cover may form a safety cover to avoid accidental interferences with inside components of the machine when the outermost panel is removed.
The shielding cover may be assembled to the housing, such as to the housing's frame, and/or to the processing unit by a safety fastener for instance a safety fastener comprising at least one of a screw, a bolt, a nut e.g. a castellated nut or a locknut and a lockwire and other safety fasteners. Such safety fastener may be designed to be unfastened by using a tool or a safety tool or an non- standard tool, such as a screw driver e.g. a safety screwdriver for heads that are not single-slotted or cross-slotted. For instances, the heads can be selected from Robertson screw heads, hex screw heads, hex socket heads, security hex socket heads, security torx heads, tri-wing heads, torq-set heads, spanner heads, multiple- square heads, polydrive heads, spline drive heads, multiple hex heads, Bristol heads and lobular heads e.g. pentalobular heads, etc...
The removable outermost panel can be assembled to the housing, such as to the housing's frame, and/or to the shielding cover by a user-fastener, such as a user- fastener comprising at least one of a snap, a clip, a latch, a hook, a friction assembly and a zipper. Such user-fastener can be designed to be unfastened by a user without any tool or with an ordinary tool, e.g. an off- the-shelf tool.
The shielding cover may be assembled by a safety fastener and the removable outermost panel can be assembled by a user-fastener, the safety fastener being more resistant against unfastening than the user- fastener. In other words, the user-fastener is typically configured to be easier to unfasten by a user whereas the safety fastener may require some special tool or skills or knowledge to be unfastened which a normal user is not expected to have. The shielding cover may bear a mention indicating to a user that the shielding cover should not be removed by unauthorised personal. A user-manual or user-notice, e.g. including a corresponding text and/or pictograms, may be provided with the machine and/or the removable outermost panel to explain to a user how to remove from and assemble to the machine the outermost panel whereas no indication or a warning is given concerning the removal of the removable shielding cover.
The removable outermost panel and/or the shielding cover can comprise one or more positioners for guiding the panel and/or the cover into an assembled configuration thereof in the machine. A suitable positioner may be selected from: a protrusion cooperating with a recess or a guide edge; and a recess or a guide edge cooperating with a protrusion, e.g. to implement a plug-and-socket arrangement.
The removable outermost panel may comprises a grip portion. Optionally, the removable outermost panel is so configured as to be removable from such machine by a mere user-actuation on the grip portion e.g. by pulling and/or pushing the grip portion.
The removable outermost panel can be fastened exclusively to the housing such as to the frame. Hence, when the machine is being serviced via the frame's opening, a service person may simply cover the opening with the (easy removable) outermost panel instead of mounting the shielding cover, e.g. during a break or other temporary interruption of accessing the inside of the machine via the frame's opening.
The removable outermost panel can be fastened exclusively to the shielding cover. Hence, existing machines having a frame with an access opening covered by a single outermost shielding cover can be retrofitted by replacing the single outermost shielding cover by a removable safety panel assembled in the machine in the same manner as the single outermost shielding cover, the removable shielding cover being further provided with an assembly arrangement for assembling the removable outermost panel thereon to provide a machine in accordance with the invention.
The removable outermost panel can be fastened both to the shielding cover and to the housing such as to the frame. Hence, the assembly of the outermost panel in the machine can be maximised.
Upon removal of the removable outermost panel and of the shielding cover, the frame's opening can give a service access to at least part of the processing unit, such as to at least one of an ingredient mixing unit, a thermal conditioner, a control unit e.g. including a PCB, a fluid and/or electric line (cables and tubes, electric and fluidic guides), and a pump device.
The shielding cover can be configured to insulate electrically the frame's opening and/or seal the opening in a substantially water proof manner.
The removable outermost panel can be so assembled in such machine as to cover entirely the removable shielding cover .
The removable outermost panel can be a solid panel, e.g. transparent, translucent or opaque panel, or an open panel, such as a frame, through which the safety panel is visible, e.g. when the outermost panel is configured to provide a design or high tech appearance and/or to provide other functions (e.g. a support function) as discussed above.
The removable outermost panel may be so assembled to extend on a machine's front face that bears a beverage outlet. The outermost panel can be assembled to a machine's side face (e.g. generally perpendicular to the machine's front face bearing a beverage outlet) or top face or rear face (opposite the front face bearing a beverage outlet) .
The machine may comprise at least one container, e.g. removable and/or fixed container ( s ) , such as a water tank and/or a used ingredient collector e.g. a used ingredient capsule collector. At least one of the container (s) can be a container that is at least partly covered by the removable shielding cover (e.g. a container which is inside or partly inside a body of the machine that is covered by the removable shielding cover) . At least one of the container (s) may be a container that is not covered by the removable shielding cover (e.g. a container which is external to a body of the machine that is covered by the removable shielding cover) .
The machine may comprise at least one part selected from: - an ingredient inlet such as a closable inlet, optionally an inlet for letting into the processing unit a pre-portioned ingredient such as an ingredient supplied to such the processing unit within a capsule, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2009/043630, WO 2012/072766, WO 2012/093107, WO 2012/126971 and WO 2013/127906;
- an outlet for dispensing a beverage produced by processing an ingredient in the processing unit, such as a fixed outlet or an outlet movable for accommodating recipients of different sizes, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2009/043630, WO 2012/072758 and WO 2013/127907;
- a support for supporting a user-recipient, such as a cup or a mug, for collecting beverage produced by processing an ingredient in the processing unit, optionally the support being movable for accommodating recipients of different sizes, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 867 260, WO 2006/050769 and WO 2013/104636;
- an actuator, in particular a manual and/or automatic actuator, for actuating the ingredient processing unit from a configuration for receiving and/or removing an ingredient to a configuration for processing the ingredient and/or vice versa, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 767 129, WO 2007/135136, WO 2009/043630 and WO 2012/025258; and
- a user-interface for receiving a user-input, such as a request for preparing a beverage, switching on and/or off the machine, and/or carrying out a cleaning procedure, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2010/037806,
For instance, at least one of the above parts is covered or not covered by the removable shielding cover and/or by the removable outermost panel. For example, when the actuator is a manual actuator, e.g. a handle, it may be not covered by the shielding cover or by the outermost panel. When the actuator is an automatic actuator, e.g. a motorized actuator, it can be covered by the shielding cover and the outermost panel.
In an embodiment, the machine comprises a handle movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the main body, so as to act on a mixing unit of the processing unit to open the mixing unit for introduction or removal of the ingredient into and from the unit, and act to close the mixing unit for processing this ingredient within the unit. The movable handle can have a gripping part and can be arranged to be drivable by a human hand. In another embodiment, the actuation on a mixing unit can be performed by a motor, e.g. an electric and/or a hydraulic motor.
The invention also relates to a set comprising:
a machine having at least one removable outermost panel as described above; and
at least one further panel that can replace the removable outermost panel in the machine, the further panel being identical or different to the outermost panel .
A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a machine as described above. The method comprises providing a housing delimiting an opening giving access to at least part of the machine's processing unit, covering the opening with a removable shielding cover and covering the removable shielding cover with the removable outermost panel.
Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a use of a removable outermost panel and/or a removable shielding cover for: providing a machine as described above; providing a set as described above; or carrying out a method as described above.
The removable outermost panel of the above described machine, set, method or use can be a panel that is made from at least one of: a moulded material, e.g. injection moulded material; metal, e.g. in metallic and/or ceramic form;
glass;
wood;
- leather, textile, a woven or unwoven cloth;
ferrite or magnetic materials, or ferrite or magnetic filled materials, for use as a partner for magnets or ferrite contact plates; and
a panel including a generally orthogonally projecting support element, such as a collapsible support element .
The outermost removable panel may perform a visual integration (or disruption) function, e.g. adjust the appearance of the machine to its environment of use, and/or the panel may perform other functions such as beverage related functions, e.g. of the type disclosed in WO 2010/015427.
For instance, a user may want to have the machine's appearance aligned to a kitchen of a certain colour, e.g. brown, and thus have a beverage machine of the same or compatible colour, e.g. brown, red or beige. If the user wants to move his beverage machine into a different room, e.g. dining room or living room having a colour arrangement, e.g. greenish, that is different to his kitchen, he may want to adjust the appearance of his beverage machine and exchange the panels with panels of a different colour, e.g. green or turquoise. Some users may also want to have machines with a flashy, possibly multi¬ colour, appearance and mount corresponding panels.
Moreover, various different compatible types of panels may be configured to provide different functions. For instance, one type of panel may be provided merely to dress the beverage machine. Another type of panels may be provided with one or more laterally and/or generally horizontally extending support members e.g. for accessories, such as cups, spoons, cream, sugar, etc... For example, a support member is dedicated for cups and has an integrated heater for pre-heating the cups. The heater may be electrically powered by the electric circuit of the machine via a plug and socket system in the panel and the inside of the beverage machine. Hence the functional versatility of the machine may be increased to match the preferences of different users.
Hence, the machine and set of the present invention provide the user with great flexibility as to the appearance of the machine and adjusting possibilities to fit the taste and/or functional needs of the user. This flexibility and adjustment possibilities are simple, inexpensive and do not involve the need to acquire a whole new machine or return the machine to a professional retrofitter.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 is a partly exploded view a beverage machine according to the invention;
- Figures 2 and 3 show a removable outermost panel of the machine of Fig. 1:
- Figure 4 shows the machine of Fig. 1 without its removable shielding covers and without its removable outermost panels;
- Figure 5 shows the machine of Fig. 1 without its removable outermost panels; and
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate different outermost panels that can replace the removable outermost panels of the machine of Fig. 1. Detailed description
Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a beverage machine 1 and parts thereof. For instance, machine 1 is configured for preparing a beverage from an ingredient, e.g. a pre- portioned ingredient optionally an ingredient supplied to such machine within a capsule.
Machine 1 comprises:
a unit 2,94,95 for processing the ingredient;
a housing 9 shielding at least part of processing unit 2,94,95; and
a removable outermost panel 91, such as a plurality of panels 91 optionally facing panels 91, e.g. panels on lateral sides of machine 1.
Processing unit 2,94,95 typically includes an ingredient mixing unit 2, such as a brewing unit. A translational and/or rotational closure mechanism can be associated with mixing unit 2 to open and close it. Example of mixing units and their opening/closure mechanism are discussed in greater details in WO 2005/004683, WO 2007/135135, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630 and WO 2012/025258.
Processing unit 2,94,95 may include a fluid circuit for circulating a liquid from a source of liquid, e.g. a water tank 7, to the ingredient to be processed. Such a fluid circuit may include one or more components selected from a thermal conditioner, e.g. a heater and/or a cooler, a pump 95 and sensors for sensing characteristics of the circulated liquid, e.g. a flow, a pressure, a temperature and/or a hardness, etc... Furthermore, a control unit may be implemented in machine 1 to control the operation of machine 1. Such components and control units are for example disclosed in WO 2009/043865, WO 2009/130099, WO 2010/006953 and WO 2010/108700 and the references cited therein.
Housing 9 comprises a frame 90 delimiting an opening
93 giving access to at least part of processing unit 2,94,95. Opening 93 is covered by a removable shielding cover 92, e.g. a safety cover, that is in turn covered by removable outermost panel 91.
Outermost panel 91 and shielding cover 92 may configured to be dismantled without accessing the inside of housing 9 or frame 91.
Hence, a user may easily change the appearance of machine 1 by exchanging panels 91 with different panels 91', 91'' having the same assembly arrangement, e.g. panels having a different colour or colour arrangement and/or a different profile or texture and align it to an environment into which the user wishes to locate the machine or according to the user's visual preferences. The change of panels 91, 91', 91'' may involve a change of function associated with a panel. For instance, a removable panel 91, 91', 91'' may include a mere covering or dress function and/or one or more other functions such as a support function and/or incorporate another functional element e.g. of the type disclosed in WO 2010/015427. Moreover, the removal of the outermost panel 91, 91', 91'' does not expose the user to the inner machine components 94,95 and vice versa. Such inner components 94,95 are though accessible by service personal, for instance specially and/or equipped trained personal, upon removable of shielding cover 92 and uncovering of opening 93 in frame 90.
Shielding cover 92 can be assembled to housing 9, such as to frame 90, and/or to processing unit 2,94,95 (and disassemblable therefrom) by a safety fastener 901,921, for instance a safety fastener comprising at least one of a screw, a bolt, a nut e.g. a castellated nut or a locknut and a lockwire. The safety fastener may be configured to be unfastened using a tool or a safety tool or a non-standard tool, such as a screw driver e.g. a safety screw driver for heads that are not single- slotted or cross-slotted. Removable outermost panel 91 may be assembled to housing 9, such as to frame 90, and/or to shielding cover 92 (and disassemblable therefrom) by a user-fastener 903,904,913,914, such as a user-fastener comprising at least one of a snap 913,914, a clip, a latch, a hook, a friction assembly and a zipper. Such user-fastener can be designed to be unfastened by a user without any tool or with an ordinary tool, e.g. an off-the-shelf tool.
Shielding cover 92 can be assembled by a safety fastener 901,921 and removable outermost panel 91 may be assembled by a user-fastener 903,904,913,914, safety fastener 901,921 being more resistant against unfastening than user-fastener 903,904,913,914.
Removable outermost panel 91 and/or shielding cover 92 may comprise one or more positioners for guiding panel 91 and/or cover 92 into an assembled configuration thereof in machine 1. The positioner ( s ) may be selected from: a protrusion 915 cooperating with a recess 905 or a guide edge; and a recess 916 or a guide edge cooperating with a protrusion 906, e.g. to implement a plug-and- socket arrangement.
Removable outermost panel 91 may comprise a grip portion 917. Panel 91 can be so configured as to be removable from machine 1 by a mere user-actuation on grip portion 917 e.g. by pulling and/or pushing grip portion 917.
Removable outermost panel 91 can be fastened:
exclusively to housing 9 such as to frame 90;
exclusively to the shielding cover; or
- both to the shielding cover and to the housing such as to the housing's frame.
Upon removal of removable outermost panel 91 and of shielding cover 92, opening 93 gives a service access to at least part of the processing unit 2,94,95, such as to at least one of an ingredient mixing unit 2, a thermal conditioner, a control unit, a fluid and/or electric line 94, and a pump device 95.
Shielding cover 92 can be configured to insulate electrically opening 93 and/or seal opening 93 in a substantially water proof manner.
Removable outermost panel 91 can be assembled in machine 1 to cover entirely removable shielding cover 92.
Removable outermost panel 91 can be a solid panel, e.g. transparent, translucent or opaque panel, or an open panel, such as a frame, through which the safety panel is visible, e.g. when the outermost panel is configured to provide a design or high tech appearance and/or to provide other functions (e.g. a support function) .
Removable outermost panel 91 may be assembled in machine 1 to extend on a machine's front face that bears a beverage outlet (not shown) or on a machine's side face (e.g. generally perpendicular to the machine's front face, as illustrated in the figures) or on a machine's top face (not shown) or a machine's rear face (not shown) adjacent to or opposite the front face.
Machine 1 may include at least one container 6,7, e.g. removable or fixed container ( s ) , such as a water tank 7 and/or a used ingredient collector 6 e.g. a used ingredient capsule collector. At least one such container can be a container 6, e.g. a used ingredient collector, that is at least partly covered by removable shielding cover 92. At least one of said at least one removable container can be a container 7, e.g. a water container, that is not covered by removable shielding cover 92. Examples of such containers are for instance described in WO 2009/074559, WO 2009/135869, WO 2010/046442, WO 2011/083103 and WO 2011/089210.
Machine 1 may comprise at least one part selected from:
- an ingredient inlet 3 such as a closable inlet 3, optionally an inlet 3 for letting into processing unit 2,94,95 a pre-portioned ingredient such as an ingredient supplied to such the processing unit within a capsule, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2009/043630, WO 2012/072766, WO 2012/093107, WO 2012/126971 and WO 2013/127906;
- an outlet 4 for dispensing a beverage produced by processing an ingredient in processing unit 2,94,95, such as a fixed outlet or an outlet movable for accommodating recipients of different sizes, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2009/043630, WO 2012/072758 and WO
2013/127907;
- a support 8 for supporting a user-recipient, such as a cup or a mug, for collecting beverage produced by processing an ingredient in processing unit 2,94,95, optionally support 8 being movable for accommodating recipients of different sizes, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 867 260, WO 2006/050769 and WO 2013/104636;
- an actuator 5, in particular a manual and/or automatic actuator 5, for actuating ingredient processing unit 2,94,95 from a configuration for receiving and/or removing an ingredient to a configuration for processing the ingredient and/or vice versa, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 767 129, WO
2007/135136, WO 2009/043630 and WO 2012/025258; and - a user-interface 5' for receiving a user-input, such as a request for preparing a beverage, switching on and/or off the machine, and/or carrying out a cleaning procedure, e.g. as disclosed in WO 2010/037806.
Optionally said at least one part 3, 4, 5, 5', 8 being covered or not covered by removable shielding cover 92 and/or by removable outermost panel 91. For example, when actuator 5 is a manual actuator, e.g. a handle, it may be not covered by shielding cover 92 or outermost panel 91. When the actuator is an automatic actuator, e.g. a motorized actuator, it may be covered by the shielding cover and the outermost panel. Machine 1 may be combined with different exchangeable panels 91, 91', 91'' forming a set. The set can comprise: machine 1 having at least one removable outermost panel 91; and at least one further panel 91', 91'' that can replace removable outermost panel 91 in machine 1, further panel 91', 91'' being identical or different to outermost panel 91.
Machine 1 can be manufactured by: providing a housing 9 delimiting an opening 93 giving access to at least part of the machine's processing unit 2, 94, 95; covering opening 93 with a removable shielding cover 92; and covering removable shielding cover 92 with removable outermost panel 91.
A removable outermost panel 91, 91', 91'' and/or a removable shielding cover 92 can be used for: providing machine 1; providing a set of machine 1 with exchangeable outermost panels 91, 91', 91''; or implementing a method for manufacturing machine 1.
Removable outermost panel 91, 91', 91'' can be a panel that is made from at least one of:
a moulded material, e.g. injection moulded material such as plastic- metal, e.g. in metallic and/or ceramic form;
glass;
- wood;
leather, textile, a woven or unwoven cloth;
ferrite or magnetic materials, or ferrite or magnetic filled materials, for use as a partner for magnets or ferrite contact plates; and
- a panel including a generally orthogonally projecting support element, such as a collapsible support element .
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP14160643 | 2014-03-19 | ||
| PCT/EP2015/055395 WO2015140091A1 (en) | 2014-03-19 | 2015-03-16 | Beverage machine with exchangeable outermost panels |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP3119246A1 true EP3119246A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 |
Family
ID=50289543
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP15709946.6A Pending EP3119246A1 (en) | 2014-03-19 | 2015-03-16 | Beverage machine with exchangeable outermost panels |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3119246A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2015140091A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB847662A (en) | 1956-04-23 | 1960-09-14 | Amos Beltrami | A coffee infusion preparing machine with hydro-compressor |
| DE2019445B2 (en) | 1970-04-22 | 1973-02-08 | Coffee maker | |
| DE29601233U1 (en) | 1996-01-25 | 1996-06-13 | J J Darboven Gmbh & Co | coffee machine |
| EP1090574B1 (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2004-11-24 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Device for extracting a substance for preparing a beverage |
| EP1208782B1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2004-08-25 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Percolation device |
| EP1495702A1 (en) | 2003-07-10 | 2005-01-12 | Nestec S.A. | Device for the extraction of a cartridge |
| US7165488B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2007-01-23 | Keurig, Incorporated | Brew chamber for a single serve beverage brewer |
| US7146904B2 (en) * | 2004-01-06 | 2006-12-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Top load coffee maker with front access water reservoir |
| ITTO20040480A1 (en) | 2004-07-13 | 2004-10-13 | Sgl Italia Srl | A machine for percolating a beverage from powdered material disposed in a contenutore. |
| DE602004031632D1 (en) | 2004-11-11 | 2011-04-14 | Nestec Sa | Self-cleaning mixing head for milk drinks and machines with such a mixing head |
| US20080203870A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 | 2008-08-28 | Riley Louis F | Kitchen Appliance Configured to Allow Variation of Aesthetic Appearance Thereof |
| EP1767129B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2016-10-26 | Nestec S.A. | Extraction module for a capsule-based beverage production device |
| DE202006002678U1 (en) | 2006-02-17 | 2006-04-20 | Eugster/Frismag Ag | Coffee machine for preparing a coffee beverage by means of packaged, pre-portioned Kaffeepouches |
| FR2898028B1 (en) | 2006-03-01 | 2008-05-16 | Seb Sa | Infusing machine comprising a device for ejecting the infused product |
| US7513192B2 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2009-04-07 | Keurig, Incorporated | Beverage forming device with opening/closing mechanism for a beverage cartridge receiver |
| PT1859714E (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2009-03-25 | Nestec Sa | Brewing device and brewing capsule system with a capsule holder for facilitating insertion and removal of capsules |
| EP2119385B1 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2010-12-22 | Nestec S.A. | Brewing device for capsule with closure mechanism of variable transmission ratio |
| PT1864598E (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2011-03-11 | Nestec Sa | Modular beverage production device with docking station |
| AT468791T (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2010-06-15 | Nestec Sa | Beverage machine with support system and tropffer for vessels of different sizes |
| DE602006007698D1 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2009-08-20 | Nestec Sa | Machine for preparing drinks with functional device and foot construction |
| CN103505057A (en) | 2008-04-22 | 2014-01-15 | 雀巢产品技术援助有限公司 | Modular assembly of a beverage preparation machine |
| AT511375T (en) | 2007-10-04 | 2011-06-15 | Nestec Sa | Getränkeaufbrüheinheit |
| PT2309900E (en) | 2008-08-08 | 2015-07-30 | Nestec Sa | Beverage machine with carrying handle and configurable appearance&side functions |
| CL2008002963A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 | 2010-01-22 | Nestec Sa | Heating device for a machine for preparing liquid food or beverage, comprising a thermal unit with a metal mass, through which the liquid flows and accumulates heat and supplied to the liquid, and has one or more electrical components insured rigida as the thermal unit; and machine. |
| PT2241230E (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2012-08-17 | Nestec Sa | Used capsule or pod receptacle for liquid food or beverage machines |
| US8863648B2 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2014-10-21 | Nestec S.A. | Pump mount in a beverage preparation machine |
| PT2276380E (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2013-08-23 | Nestec Sa | Used capsule collector for beverage devices |
| RU2506876C2 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2014-02-20 | Нестек С.А. | Water circulation system in beverage preparation device |
| CA2736927A1 (en) | 2008-10-03 | 2010-04-08 | Nestec S.A. | User-friendly interface for a beverage machine |
| ES2456616T3 (en) | 2010-01-06 | 2014-04-23 | Nestec S.A. | Vibration resistant water tank of a beverage machine |
| ES2496767T5 (en) | 2010-01-21 | 2018-03-08 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage machine, equipped with a removable liquid supply tank |
| CH705749B1 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2014-03-14 | Nestec Sa | Beverage machine to motirisée brewing unit commanded by capsule, its method of operation and use of a capsule for this command. |
| CA2819386A1 (en) | 2010-12-01 | 2012-06-07 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage machine having a capsule passage with a gate |
| JP2013544172A (en) | 2010-12-01 | 2013-12-12 | ネステク ソシエテ アノニム | Beverage preparation device with droplet collector |
| JP2014505531A (en) | 2011-01-03 | 2014-03-06 | ネステク ソシエテ アノニム | Beverage machine with cover for raw material inlet |
| WO2012126971A1 (en) | 2011-03-23 | 2012-09-27 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage machine with a cover for an ingredient inlet |
| WO2013104636A1 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-18 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage machine for short and tall cups |
| US10028612B2 (en) | 2012-02-28 | 2018-07-24 | Nestec S.A. | Cover for an ingredient inlet with moisture management |
| EP2633789A1 (en) | 2012-02-28 | 2013-09-04 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage preparation machine with drop management |
-
2015
- 2015-03-16 WO PCT/EP2015/055395 patent/WO2015140091A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-03-16 EP EP15709946.6A patent/EP3119246A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2015140091A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US8915177B2 (en) | Beverage machine with carrying handle and configurable appearance and side functions | |
| EP2362743B1 (en) | User-friendly interface for a beverage machine | |
| AU2011263725B2 (en) | Ergonomic service arrangement for beverage machine | |
| RU2506875C2 (en) | Machine to be combined with auxiliary devices for liquid food and beverages preparation | |
| EP2797465B1 (en) | A multi-system beverage machine | |
| CN102791172B (en) | Ergonomic service unit for beverage preparation machines | |
| US20090272279A1 (en) | Storage and/or heating system/apparatus for items and food | |
| US4565121A (en) | Apparatus for use in preparing infusions | |
| EP2385779B1 (en) | Liquid food heating, stirring and foaming cup | |
| US20130298778A1 (en) | Beverage machine with a cover for an ingredient inlet | |
| CN101198274B (en) | Apparatus and method for cooking dehydrated powdered food | |
| EP2523586B1 (en) | Ergonomic ingredient holder and service unit coordination | |
| EP1642518B1 (en) | A domestic making appliance for preparing porridges | |
| US9661950B2 (en) | Ergonomic handle with user-interface | |
| CN103002783B (en) | Solid support for the cup of the beverage machine | |
| JP2014509537A (en) | Beverage machine with cover and raw material inlet | |
| DE602005002134T2 (en) | Food preparation device | |
| JPH11503925A (en) | coffee maker | |
| US7921768B2 (en) | Vertical and horizontal oven | |
| US8985839B2 (en) | Stand mixer arrangement with guarding device | |
| RU2555649C2 (en) | Device for preparation of beverage with detachable liquid supply reservoir | |
| EP2481329A1 (en) | Electrical appliances | |
| US20130334349A1 (en) | Food processing and preparation apparatus | |
| ES2471881T3 (en) | Remote controlled food processor | |
| EP2802244B2 (en) | Beverage machine for short and tall cups |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
| AV | Request for validation of the european patent |
Extension state: MA |
|
| AX | Request for extension of the european patent to: |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20161019 |
|
| DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (in any country) (deleted) | ||
| DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (to any country) (deleted) | ||
| RAP1 | Rights of an application transferred |
Owner name: NESTEC S.A. |
|
| 17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20190311 |
|
| RAP1 | Rights of an application transferred |
Owner name: SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A. |