Substance-extraction device and machine for producing drinks

The present invention relates to a device for extracting a substance for the production of beverage having a plurality of infusion chambers.

It also relates to a machine incorporating the device according to the invention.

The invention finds particular application in the production of coffee type beverages Express, produced by infusion of pressurized hot water to ground coffee.

Specifically, the invention may be applied to coffee machines suitable for use in packaging material to be infused (in particular ground coffee) as pods of filter paper.

The variety of consumer demand (coffee of different origins, decaffeinated coffee, etc ...) and productivity concerns led the coffee machine manufacturers offer machines for the manufacture of a plurality of espressos.

In this context, EP-A-1219216 has an automatic device for extracting a substance such as ground coffee, which has according to a particular embodiment two parallel infusion chambers and fed separately by two supply conduits for hot water.

Such a machine allows the simultaneous production of several drinks, but implies an increase in resources needed for this purpose, according to the number of realized brewing chambers. In particular, electrical controls and hot water supply circuits must be multiplied to reflect the number of brewing chambers.

Moreover, according to this prior art, the multiplication of brewing chambers leads to a general adaptation of the coffee machine jeopardizing its entire design and manufacturing.

Document FR-A-547 071 discloses (see Figures 3-6) an extraction device according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

The present invention constitutes significant technical progress in the light of the known prior art in the field.

The present invention relates to a device for extracting a substance for the production of beverages according to independent claim 1.

Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The invention also relates to a machine for the production of beverages from beverage material comprising a supply source and hot water comprising a device of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will be easily understood.<ul><li>Figures 1-3 respectively show front views, side and perspective of a beverage making machine espresso-type according to a first embodiment.</li><li>Figures 4-6 illustrate respectively side views and front view of a beverage production machine of the espresso type, in the second embodiment wherein a device of the invention is integrated at a mouth of hot water supply outlet, while another hot water supply remains mouth with a conventional filter and filter door device with a single room INFU sion.</li><li>Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a particular embodiment of the system of opening and closing device of brewing chambers.</li><li>Figure 9 is an exploded view of the invention device. </li><li>Figures 10 to 12 illustrate three cases of operation of the device of the invention with two infusion chambers.</li><li>FIG 13 and FIG 14 show more exactly the operation of the invention in a partial view of the device at a brewing chamber.</li></ul>

For the following description describes one embodiment of the invention applicable to the use of packages of a substance to be infused (as of the ground coffee) as pods made of filter paper.

In the case of Figures 1 to 3, a device 5 according to the invention is mounted on a coffee machine 1 of conventional design.

In particular, such a machine comprises a body 3 adapted to contain means for producing hot water and for putting it under pressure, as well as electromechanical means for the distribution of hot water.

The machine 1 also conventionally comprises a front 2 can receive different means of control as buttons for start-up functions, and activation of the pump in particular.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device 5 according to the invention may cooperate with a coffee machine 1 of conventional design at the outlet mouth existing in hot water under pressure to supply a known way a filter system and door filter suitable for receiving the substance to be infused and making the usual single brewing chamber.

Figure 3 generally shows that it is possible by means of the device 5 of the invention to provide a plurality of brewing chambers 7, 8, and by cooperation with a single hot water supply mouth .

4 to 6 show another example of application of the device of the invention to a coffee machine 1 with two mouths of hot water outlet usually to operate each with a single brewing chamber.

Following the example shown, a device 5 is implanted at one of the supply mouths in hot water while a traditional system is kept at the other mouth.

In each case, it is noted that the rest of the coffee machine 1 and in particular the control means and distribution of the hot water circuit have not been modified.

To achieve this the extraction device 5 of the invention has the characteristic of comprising a connection interface 6 to a power input 4 hot water and means of distribution of hot water between the chambers infusion 7, 8 where a substance to be infused 13a, 13b is present.

7 shows an example of connection interface 6 as in Figure 9 which illustrates in exploded view. In particular, the connection interface 6 may be in the form of a block having a central opening adapted to be connected with a power input 4 (or feed throat) of the coffee machine. in particular can be used means of common fastening such as screws for fixing the interface 6 on the body of the coffee machine 1.

Of course, we will adjust the mounting configuration (external dimension and positioning screws) interface 6 to the type of coffee machine 1 on which it wants to connect.

The extraction device further comprises means for distributing the hot water between the different infusion chambers 7, 8 where a substance to be infused 13a, 13b is present.

The examples illustrated by the figures apply in case it is two brewing chambers 7, 8 at a device 5. However, this case is not restrictive.

To allow to distribute the hot water into the brewing chambers where the substance to be infused 13a, 13b is present without fundamental changes for the coffee machine 1, the device 5 comprises, for each infusion chamber 7, 8 means substance of presence detection to be infused 13a, 13b, and means for opening the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber 7, 8 of material presence detection to be infused 13a, 13b.

And, automatically, the hot water inlet circuit in a brewing chamber 7, 8 is opened by the mere presence of the substance to be infused 13a, 13b.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, and in particular to Figures 9 to 14, the detection means and the opening means of the hot water inlet of each brewing chamber 7, 8 are constituted by a body mobile 29a, 29b.

Advantageously, the movable member 29a, 29b receives at its lower end a shower system 24a, 24b vector capable of distributing the incoming hot water to the substance to be infused 13a, 13b.

In the rest position, the movable member 29a, 29b has a lower end projecting into the internal volume of the brewing chamber 7, 8.

This rest position is ensured by default by the elastic means of common design, for example by springs 25a, 25b positioned in a housing in the socket 6, and for plating the movable member 29a, 29b on the periphery of the hot water inlet in the brewing chamber 7, 8.

To seal in this position, the movable member 29a, 29b receives a seal 27a, 27b, for example of the ring allowing, in this configuration, close the supply of hot water to the brewing chamber 7 8 considered.

The mobile device 29a, 29b may take another position capable of opening the arrival of hot water in the brewing chamber 7, 8.

This is particularly the case at the 11 to the brewing chamber 7.

At this level, the presence of a substance to be infused 13a spawned a support of the lower end of the movable member 29a on the upper surface of the substance to be infused pod 13a causing the withdrawal of the member mobile 29a of the volume of the brewing chamber 7. in doing so, the spring 25a was forced. Furthermore, the withdrawal of the movable member 29a caused the peeling of the seal contact surface 27a and to open the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber 7 as shown by the arrows showing the passage of water.

The hot water from the power supply input 4 at the connection interface 6 passes through the hot water inlet of the brewing chamber 7 to infuse the substance 13a. It follows a flow of the beverage produced at a spout 14a extending a receiving funnel portion of the beverage.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate three operating configurations of two brewing chambers 7, 8 of the device 5.

In the case of Figure 10, the two brewing chambers 7, 8 are in the inactive position and no substance to infuse pod 13a, 13b is present. Accordingly, the movable members 29a, 29b are both made in the internal volume of brewing chamber 7, 8 by closing the hot water inlet.

In the case of Figure 11, a pod 13a infusion substance is present in the brewing chamber 7. For cons, the brewing chamber 8 remained empty. Consequently, only the movable member 29a is retracted to open the inlet circuit of hot water. The movable member 29b remains in the closed position of the hot water inlet of the corresponding chamber 8.

This results in the production of a single drink at the brewing chamber 7.

Another alternative is shown in Figure 12 where the substances to infuse pod 13a, 13b are present in each of the brewing chambers 7, 8. Accordingly, the two moving bodies 29a, 29b are retracted so as to open the hot water inlet of each brewing chamber 7, 8. accordingly, a beverage is produced at each infusion chamber.

Figures 13 and 14 show enlarged partial views of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 to 12. In particular, Figure 13 shows an infusion chamber in the closed position and non-operation while Figure 14 shows an infusion chamber in open position arrival of hot water for producing a beverage.

Still referring to the figures, below shows an example embodiment of the opening and closing of the brewing chambers 7, 8 for the admission or removal of the substance to be infused pod 13a, 13b.

Referring more particularly to Figures 7 to 9, it is observed that the plurality of infusion chambers 7, 8 is formed to part (top part) in a fixed element 9, and part (bottom part) in a movable member 10 . it is the movement of the movable member 10 which provides the opening or closing of a brewing chamber 7, 8.

Part of the brewing chambers 7, 8 present in the fixed element 9 is constituted by cavities formed in the underside of the fixed element 9 and form the area of ​​application of the hot water to the substance to be infused 13a, 13b. It is at this level that the shower head 24a, 24b is received.

The movable member 10 comprises a plurality of housing 23a, 23b each suitable for receiving the lower part a spout 14a, 14b provided with a funnel and, in the upper part a cup holder 11a, 11b carrying a cup 12a, 12b receiving the substance to be infused in pod 13a, 13b.

Advantageously, the height position of each cup holder 11a, 11b is adjustable in particular for finely adjusting the pressure exerted by the rim of the cup around the edge of 13a pod, 13b in the closed position next to the fixed element 9.

For example, each support 11a, 11b can comprise a thread cooperating with an internal thread of the housing 23a, 23b to form a helical guideway adapted to raise or lower the support cup 11a, 11b. Final fixing position of the bracket 11a, 11b is achieved by means of a set screw 15a, 15b. This configuration shown in detail in figures 13 and 14. As regards the operation for opening or closing the movable member 10, it can be realized through a lever 18 manually operated by the user .

The fixed and mobile elements 9, 10 are connected by a pivot 19 and also kinematically coupled with two arms 16a, 16b integral with the lever 18.

More particularly, each arm 16a, 16b is pivotally mounted on the fixed element 9 by means of two pivot links 17a, 17b well represented in Figure 9. Compared with the movable member 10, the arms 16a, 16b each comprise an oblong hole 20a, 20b cooperating in translation with a guide pin 21a, 21b mounted on the movable element 10.

A convenient way, the guide pin 21 a, 21 b has a rectangular section and is pivotally mounted relative to the movable member 10, for example by means of a screw 15a, 15b.

A convenient way, the mounting screw of each guide finger 21, 21b is the same screw 15a, 15b as used for holding in position the cups brackets 11a, 11b.

Given the existing friction between the wall of oblong 20a hole 20b and the surface of guide fingers 21a, 21b, it may be useful to report 22a slide lining, 22b on at least a portion of the wall of the holes oblong 20a, 20b.

It will in particular a coating having a low coefficient of friction, and good wear resistance in materials used to form the arms 26a, 16b.

In the open position of the brewing chambers 7, 8, the lever 18 is raised and allows the admission of pods 13a, 13b, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. A user action on the lever 18 to cause its downward rotation permits closure of the brewing chambers 7, 8 to achieve an operating configuration shown in figures 10-14.

Note that the orientation downwards of the lever 18 for opening allows easy closure of the effort applied by the user and ensures a good closing of the brewing chambers 7, 8 a perfect seal.

Of course, the different organs of the 5 device of the invention and in particular the connecting interface 6, the fixed element 9 and the movable member 10 cooperate together in sealed manner via joints shown in pins 26a, 26b, and 28a, 28b.

It is also understood that the example shown with two brewing chambers 7, 8 could be repeated with a different number of brewing chambers 7, 8 within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCES

<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>1.</dt><dd>Coffee machine</dd><dt>2.</dt><dd>Facade</dd><dt>3.</dt><dd>body</dd><dt>4.</dt><dd>Power Input</dd><dt>5.</dt><dd>Device</dd><dt>6.</dt><dd>Interface</dd><dt>7.</dt><dd>Brewing chamber</dd><dt>8.</dt><dd>Brewing chamber</dd><dt>9.</dt><dd>fixed element</dd><dt>10.</dt><dd>movable element</dd><dt>11a, 11b.</dt><dd>Support cups</dd><dt>12a, 12b.</dt><dd>cups</dd><dt>13a, 13b.</dt><dd>Substance to be infused pod</dd><dt>14a, 14b.</dt><dd>The spout</dd><dt>15a, 15b.</dt><dd>Mounting screws</dd><dt>16a, 16b.</dt><dd>Arms</dd><dt>17a, 17b.</dt><dd>pivot link</dd><dt>18.</dt><dd>The sink</dd><dt>19.</dt><dd>Pivot</dd><dt>20a, 20b.</dt><dd>oblong hole</dd><dt>21a, 21b.</dt><dd>guide finger</dd><dt>22a, 22b.</dt><dd>slip coating</dd><dt>23a, 23b.</dt><dd>Housing</dd><dt>24a, 24b.</dt><dd>shower</dd><dt>25a, 25b.</dt><dd>Spring</dd><dt>26a, 26b.</dt><dd>joint</dd><dt>27a, 27b.</dt><dd>joint</dd><dt>28a, 28b.</dt><dd>joint</dd><dt>29a, 29b.</dt><dd>movable member</dd></dl>