Substance-extraction device and machine for producing drinks

ES 2 265 604 T3

DESCRIPTION

Device and machine for the extraction of a substance for the production of beverages.

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

It also refers to a machine that integrates the device according to the invention.

The invention will find very particularly its application for the production of beverages of the espresso type, produced by infusion under pressure of hot water from a coffee grind.

More precisely, the invention can be applied to coffee machines suitable for using containers of substance to prepare an infusion (coffee grinding in particular) in the form of small doses of filter paper.

The variety of consumer demands (coffees from different origins, decaffeinated coffee, etc ...) as well as productivity achievements have led coffee machine manufacturers to propose machines that allow the preparation of a plurality of espresso coffees.

Within this framework, document EP-A-1219 216 presents an automatic device for the extraction of a substance such as coffee grinding, which, according to a particular embodiment, has two parallel infusion chambers and supplied differently by two supply conduits. of hot water.

A machine of this type allows the simultaneous manufacture of several beverages, but implies a multiplication of the means necessary for this purpose, depending on the number of infusion chambers made. In particular, electrical controls and hot water inlet circuits must be multiplied to take into account the number of infusion chambers.

Furthermore, according to this foregoing, the multiplication of the number of brewing chambers entails a general adaptation of the coffee machine, calling into question the integrity of its design and of its manufacture.

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

The present invention constitutes an important technical progress over the prior art known in the field under consideration.

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 substance to prepare an infusion comprising a hot water supply source and which includes the device of the invention.

The attached drawings are provided by way of examples and are not limiting of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will make it easy to understand.

Figures 1 to 3 respectively present the front, side and perspective views of an espresso coffee-type beverage preparation machine according to a first embodiment.

Figures 4 to 6 respectively illustrate side, front and perspective views of an espresso coffee-type beverage production machine in a second embodiment in which a device of the invention is integrated at the level of a feeding outlet. of hot water, while another inlet for hot water subsists with a filter device and a classic filter holder with a single infusion chamber.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a particular embodiment of the system for opening and closing the infusion chambers of the device.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view of the device of the invention.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate three cases of operation of the device of the invention with two infusion chambers.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 show more precisely the operation of the device of the invention in partial view at the level of an infusion chamber.

For the description that follows, an embodiment of the invention is described that is applied in the use of containers of a substance to prepare an infusion (such as a coffee grind) in the form of small doses constituted in filter paper.

In the case of Figures 1 to 3, a device 5 according to the invention is added to a coffee machine 1 of classical design.

In particular, a machine of this type comprises a body 3 capable of containing the means for producing hot water and its pressurization, as well as the electromechanical means for distributing the hot water.

The coffee machine 1 also conventionally comprises a façade 2 capable of receiving different control means in the form of buttons for the starting functions, and particularly for activating the pump.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device 5 according to the invention can cooperate with a coffee machine 1 of ordinary conception at the outlet of hot water under existing pressure to supply a system in a known way filter and filter holder suitable to receive the substance to prepare the infusion and that makes the usual single infusion chamber.

Figure 3 shows in a general way that it is possible by means of the device 5 of the invention to constitute a plurality of infusion chambers 7, 8 and this by cooperation with a single hot water supply mouth.

Figures 4 to 6 show another example of application of the device of the invention to a coffee machine 1 comprising two hot water outlets that usually allow each one to operate with a single infusion chamber.

According to the example indicated, a device 5 is implanted at the level of one of the hot water supply mouths while a traditional system is kept at the level of the other mouth.

In each of the cases, it will be appreciated that the rest of the coffee machine 1 and in particular the control and distribution means of the hot water circuit have not been modified.

To achieve this result, the extraction device 5 according to the invention has the characteristic of comprising an intermediate surface 6 for connection with a supply inlet 4 for hot water,

ES 2 265 604 T3 and means for distributing the hot water between the infusion chambers 7, 8 where a substance is present to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b.

Figure 7 shows an example of intermediate connecting surface 6 all as in Figure 9 illustrating it in exploded view. In particular, the intermediate connection surface 6 can be in the form of a block comprising a central opening suitable to be connected with a feed inlet 4 (or feed mouth) of the coffee machine. In particular, common fastening means such as screws may be used for fastening the intermediate surface 6 on the body of the coffee machine 1.

Well understood, the fixing configuration (external dimension and positioning of the screws) of the intermediate surface 6 will be adapted to the type of coffee machine 1 to which it is desired to connect.

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

The examples illustrated by the figures apply to the case in which two infusion chambers 7, 8 are constituted at the level of a device 5. However, this case is not limiting.

To allow hot water to be distributed in the infusion chambers where the substance to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b is present without fundamental modifications of the coffee machine 1, the device 5 comprises for each infusion chamber 7, 8 means for detecting the presence of substance to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b, and means for opening the arrival of hot water to the infusion chamber 7, 8 on detection of the presence of substance to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b.

Thus, automatically, the hot water inlet circuit in an infusion chamber 7, 8 is opened by the simple presence of the substance to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b.

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

Advantageously, the mobile member 29a, 29b receives at its lower end a classic shower head system 24a, 24b capable of distributing the incoming hot water over the substance to prepare the infusion 13a, 13b.

In the rest position, the movable member 29a, 29b has a lower end that projects into the interior volume of the infusion chamber 7, 8.

This rest position is ensured by default by means of elastic means of common conception, and for example by springs 25a, 25b positioned in a housing on the intermediate connection surface 6 and which allow the movable member 29a, 29b to be applied on the contour of the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber 7, 8.

To ensure tightness in this position, the movable member 29a, 29b receives a seal 27a, 27b, for example of the O-ring type, which allows, in this configuration, to close the hot water inlet of the brewing chamber 7, 8 considered.

The movable member 29a, 29b can take another position suitable for opening the hot water inlet into the infusion chamber 7, 8.

This is in particular the case at the level of FIG. 11 for the infusion chamber 7.

At this level, the presence of a substance to prepare the infusion 13a has produced a bearing of the lower end of the mobile organ 29a on the upper surface of the substance to prepare the infusion of the small dose 13a, which has caused the removal of the mobile organ 29a of the volume of the infusion chamber 7. In this way, the spring 25a has been contracted. On the other hand, the removal of the mobile member 29a has caused the sealing gasket 27a to detach from the application surface and this to open the inlet of hot water into the infusion chamber 7 as represented by the arrows showing the passage of water.

The hot water coming from the feed inlet 4 at the intermediate connection surface 6 passes through the hot water inlet of the infusion chamber 7 to prepare the infusion of the substance 13a contained. There is a circulation of the drink produced at the level of a circulation peak 14a that extends a part of the funnel for receiving the drink.

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

In the case of Figure 10, the two infusion chambers 7, 8 are in the inactive position and no substance for preparing the small dose infusion 13a, 13b is present. Consequently, the mobile members 29a, 29b are all deployed in the internal volume of each infusion chamber 7, 8, shutting off the hot water supply.

In the case of Fig. 11, a small dose infusion substance 13a is present in the infusion chamber 7. On the contrary, the infusion chamber 8 is empty. Consequently, only the movable member 29a is retracted to open the hot water inlet circuit. The mobile member 29b remains in the closed position of the hot water inlet of the corresponding chamber 8.

The production of a single drink occurs at the level of the infusion chamber 7.

Another alternative is presented in figure 12 where the substances to prepare the infusion in small doses 13a, 13b are present in each of the infusion chambers 7, 8. Consequently, the two mobile organs 29a, 29b are retracted in order to opening the hot water inlet of each infusion chamber 7, 8. Consequently, a drink is produced at the level of each infusion chamber.

Figures 13 and 14 show partially enlarged views of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 to 12. In particular, Figure 13 shows an infusion chamber in a closed and non-operating position while Figure 14 shows an infusion chamber in the hot water inlet opening position for the production of a beverage.

Still referring to the figures, an example of embodiment of the opening and closing of the infusion chambers 7, 8 for the admission or withdrawal of the substance to prepare the infusion in small doses 13a, 13b is presented below.

Referring more particularly to Figures 7 to 9, it is noted that the plurality of infusion chambers 7, 8 are formed in part (upper part) in a fixed element 9, and in part (lower part) in

ES 2 265 604 T3 a mobile element 10. It is the movement of the mobile element 10 that ensures the opening or closing of an infusion chamber 7, 8.

The part of the infusion chambers 7, 8 present in the fixed element 9 is constituted by cavities formed in the lower surface of the fixed element 9 and forms the zone of application of hot water on the substance to prepare the infusion 13, 13b. It is at this level that the shower head 24a, 24b is received.

The mobile element 10 comprises a plurality of housings 23a, 23b, each one capable of receiving in the lower part a circulation spout 14a, 14b provided with a funnel and, in the upper part, a plate support 11a, 11b carrying a plate. 12a, 12b for receiving the substance to prepare the infusion of the small dose 13a, 13b.

Advantageously, the height position of each plate support 11a, 11b is adjustable in particular to finely adjust the pressure exerted by the contour of the plate on the contour of the small dose 13a, 13b in the closed position in front of the fixed element 9 .

By way of example, each support 11a, 11b may comprise a threading that cooperates with an internal threading of the housing 23a, 23b to form a helical guide suitable for raising or lowering the plate support 11a, 11b. The final fixing in position of the support 11a, 11b is carried out by means of a pressure screw 15a, 15b. This configuration appears in detail at the level of Figures 13 and 14. As regards the opening or closing actuation of the mobile element 10, it can be carried out by means of a lever 18 operated manually by the user.

The fixed and mobile elements 9, 10 are connected by a pivot 19 and are also kinematically connected 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 pivoting joints 17a, 17b shown in figure 9. In relation to the mobile element 10, the arms 16a, 16b each comprise a hole oblong 20a, 29b cooperating in translation with a guide stud 21a, 21b mounted on the movable element 10.

Advantageously, the guide stud 21a, 21b has a rectangular section and is pivotally mounted relative to the movable element 10, for example by means of a screw 15a, 15b.

Advantageously, the mounting screw of each guide stud 21a, 21b is the same screw 15a, 15b as that used to hold the cymbal supports 11, 11b in position.

Given the friction between the wall of the oblong hole 20a, 20b and the surface of the guide studs 21a, 21b, it may be useful to supplement a sliding liner 22a, 22b on at least a portion of the wall of the oblong holes 20a , 20b.

In particular, it will be a coating with a low coefficient of friction, and good resistance to wear in relation to the materials used to constitute the arms 16a, 16b.

In the opening position of the infusion chambers 7, 8, the lever 18 is raised and allows the admission of small doses 13a, 13b, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. A user action on the lever 18 to producing their downward rotation allows the infusion chambers 7, 8 to be closed to reach an operating configuration presented in Figures 10 to 14.

It will be appreciated that the downward orientation of the lever 18 to perform the opening allows an ease of application of the closing force by the user and guarantees a correct closure of the infusion chambers 7, 8 for a perfect tightness.

Well understood, the different organs of the device 5 of the invention and in particular the intermediate connection surface 6, the fixed element 9 and the mobile element 10 cooperate together in a sealed manner by means of joints represented by the references 26a, 26b, and 28a , 28b.

It is also understood that the example illustrated with two infusion chambers 7, 8 could be reproduced with another number of infusion chambers 7, 8 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

References

<td> 1.</td><td>Coffee machine</td>

<td> 2.</td><td>Facade</td>

<td> 3.</td><td>Case</td>

<td> 4.</td><td>Power input</td>

<td> 5.</td><td>Device</td>

<td> 6.</td><td>Intermediate surface</td>

<td> 7.</td><td>Infusion chamber</td>

<td> 8.</td><td>Infusion chamber</td>

<td> 9.</td><td>Fixed element</td>

<td> 10.</td><td>Mobile element</td>

<td>11a, 11b.</td><td>Cymbal stand</td>

<td>12a, 12b.</td><td>Cymbals</td>

<td>13a, 13b.</td><td>Substance to prepare the infusion in small doses</td>

<td>14a, 14b.</td><td>Circulation peak</td>

<td>15a, 15b.</td><td>Mounting screw</td>

<td>16a, 16b.</td><td>Arm</td>

<td>17a, 17b.</td><td>Pivoting connection</td>

<td> 18.</td><td>Lever</td>

<td> 19.</td><td>Pivot</td>

<td>20a, 20b.</td><td>Oblong hole</td>

<td>21a, 21b.</td><td>Guide stud</td>

<td>22a, 22b.</td><td>Slip coating</td>

<td>23a, 23b.</td><td>accommodation</td>

<td>24a, 24b.</td><td>Shower head</td>

<td>25a, 25b.</td><td>Dock</td>

<td>26a, 26b.</td><td>Council</td>

<td>27a, 27b.</td><td>Council</td>

<td>28a, 28b.</td><td>Council</td>

<td>29a, 29b.</td><td>Mobile organ.</td>