Sensor for multi-size cartridge extraction unit

An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of the cartridges (1a;1b). The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and a second part (15) that are relatively movable between an extraction position and a loading and/or ejection position. The first part has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12′) having selectively: a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb). The seat has a depth detecting arrangement (20), such as a detecting arrangement comprising a control unit (21) connected to sensor (22) via a connection (23). The depth detecting arrangement is configured to detect a relative position of the first portion and the second portion to determine whether the cavity has at least one of the first and second depths.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/077273, filed on Dec. 19, 2013, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 12197963.7, filed on Dec. 19, 2012, the entire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an extraction unit using cartridges that contain a beverage ingredient for preparing a beverage or another substance not necessarily food-related. The extraction unit is arranged for receiving cartridges of different sizes. The invention also relates to a combination of such an extraction unit with a cartridge and a use of a cartridge for such an extraction unit.

For the purpose of the present description, a “beverage” is meant to include any liquid food, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. . . . . A “cartridge” is meant to include any pre-portioned beverage ingredient or other extractible substance 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 capsules containing the ingredient.

BACKGROUND ART

One problem encountered is the positioning of the cartridge in the device and the closing of the latter around the cartridge to perform the brewing process. The cartridge usually has to be positioned by the user on a cartridge support or in a housing, then the device is closed manually or automatically around the cartridge.

It is important to correctly position the cartridge so that the device closes correctly around the latter and a good seal is thus achieved to ensure good conditions of extraction. Bad positioning may damage the cartridge, and thus affect the conditions of extraction. The loading of the cartridge must also be easy, without trial and error as to the correct position of the cartridge in the device. The loading must also be as rapid as possible and not require excessive manipulations. Hence, devices exist that propose the insertion of the cartridge in a vertical plane and the movement of the extraction or infusion parts along a horizontal plane around the cartridge. Such systems have the advantages of allowing a loading from the top piggy-bank fashion, and makes for rapid loading. The positioning of the cartridge is then taken over by the movement of a movable part that pushes the cartridge against another part such as a water heater. However, these devices are complex to produce and are not suitable for low-cost and therefore entry-level coffee machines for the consumer market. They are therefore usually intended for the business market such as restaurants, bars or communities. For example, patent application WO 98/47418 relates to a device for the extraction of pre-measured inserts in which the inserts are inserted vertically and are extracted horizontally. The disadvantage of this device is that it comprises two movable parts for the extraction, which makes the mechanical principle more complicated.

WO 2005/004683 relates to a cartridge brewing device comprising: a first part; a second part that can be moved relative to the first part; a housing for the cartridge and defining, in a closed position of the movable part against the fixed part, an extraction position of the cartridge along an axis in said housing; an insertion and positioning part comprising means for guiding the cartridge arranged so as to insert the cartridge by gravity and position such cartridge in an intermediate position; a drink pouring system; and the second movable part is so arranged and constructed to move the cartridge from the intermediate position into the extraction position when the device is closed.

EP 1 721 553 discloses a brewing unit for coffee machines using cartridges. The unit has a front part with a beverage outlet and a rear part with a hot water inlet. The front part and the rear part are mounted in-between a pair of facing shoulder guide members. The front part is movable in-between these guide members to be urged against the rear part so as to form with the rear part a brewing chamber for accommodating a cartridge to be extracted, whereby an unoccupied volume is left in front of the front member between the guide members within the machine.

EP 1 659 547 relates to a beverage machine for making infusions, in particular, espresso coffee. The machine includes an infusion chamber within a brewing unit that has a movable front part with a return spring and a beverage outlet duct that extends through the assembly's outer housing. The movable front part cooperates with a rear part that is movable within the housing and that can be pushed against the movable front part to compress the return spring whereby the outlet duct slides through the assembly's outer housing. The cartridge is passed through the external housing to the infusion chamber via a rigid cartridge feed channel and then the cartridge is transferred into the infusion chamber by an external bushing on the movable rear part of the brewing unit which is provided with a cam-like path for moving the rear part. This arrangement involves several problems. The cartridge must be moved during the closure of the brewing chamber and this can cause blocking and it also makes the retaining means of the pod more complex. Moreover, opening and closing the brewing chamber involves simultaneously a linear displacement of the movable rear part within the housing, of the movable front part within the housing and of the outlet duct through the housing which increases the risk of hyper-guiding and jamming or improper alignment of the various parts that linearly move one relative to another. The fluid system comprises a moving assembly which makes the fluid system more complex to assemble. When upon extraction brewing unit is re-opened for removing the cartridge, pressurized water contained within the infusion chamber may project outside the housing. Furthermore, an unoccupied volume is left within the machine between the front member and the casing when the outlet duct is in its retracted position.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,190 and WO 2005/072574 disclose a coffee machine having a removable drawer for positioning a coffee can therein. The drawer can be slid horizontally into the coffee machine and lifted towards a water injection arrangement. WO 2006/023309 discloses a coffee machine with a slidable drawer for the introduction of a coffee cartridge into the machine. The drawer is movable between an open and a closed position and has two cartridge half-shells that are pivotable against each other to form a brewing chamber when the drawer is in the closed position and pivotable apart when the drawer is slid out from the machine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,251 discloses a coffee machine having a horizontally slidable drawer for positioning a cartridge therein. When slid into the machine, the drawer can be moved upwards towards a fixed cartridge cage for form a brewing chamber for a cartridge. EP 1 566 126 discloses a coffee machine with a vertical brewing unit for accommodating coffee pods. The brewing unit has a fixed upper part and a movable lower part for holding a pod and that can be pulled up for closing the brewing unit and let down for inserting or removing a pod.

A beverage preparation machine arranged to handle ingredient cartridges of different sizes is disclosed in EP 1 208 782. Other machines handling cartridges of different sizes are disclosed in non-prepublished documents EP 12187716.1, EP 12187717.9, EP 12187718.7 and EP 12189153.5.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to an extraction unit for extracting cartridges of two different heights. The unit comprises a seat for receiving any of such cartridges for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part and a second part that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position.

For instance, the first part is connected to a fluid circuit for circulating a fluid, such as heated or cooled water, from a source into the seat and the second part is connected to an outlet for a product formed by exposing the content of a cartridge in the seat to the circulating liquid. Alternatively, the first part is connected to an outlet and the second part is connected to the fluid circuit, or the first part is connected to the outlet and the fluid circuit, or the second part is connected to the outlet and the fluid circuit. A suitable fluid circulation system is for example disclosed in EP 1 764 014, WO 2009/074550 and WO 2998/130099.

The first part has a first portion and a second portion that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity having selectively:a first depth for receiving a cartridge of the first height; anda second depth for receiving a cartridge of the second height.

In other words, the first and second portions are relatively movable into two positions:a first depth position, e.g. a shallow position, for receiving a cartridge of the first height, e.g. a small cartridge; anda second depth position, e.g. a deep position, for receiving a cartridge of the second height, e.g. a large cartridge.

Each portion of the first and second portions may be formed of a single component or of an assembly of components.

In accordance with the invention, the seat, in particular the first part, has a depth detecting arrangement, such as a detecting arrangement comprising a control unit (e.g. a microcontroller) connected to sensor via a connection, the depth detecting arrangement being configured to detect a relative position of the first portion and the second portion to determine whether the cavity has at least one of the first and second depths.

Such a depth detection arrangement measuring directly the size of a seat that is adaptable to different cartridge sizes (heights) is particularly advantageous when the seat is adapted manually or self-adapts to the cartridge size or as a back-up arrangement. By measuring a characteristic of the seat instead of the cartridge, the detection arrangement is not influenced by the material properties of the cartridge, e.g. constitutive materials with measurable properties (conductivity, capacity, impedance . . . ). Hence, this type of depth detection arrangement can be used in the same extraction unit with different capsules that are made of different materials without influencing the detection.

The depth detecting arrangement, in particular a control unit thereof, can be arranged to adjust an extraction parameter such as a volume and/or temperature of liquid, e.g. water, to be circulated into the seat. Such a parameter can depend on the detection of the relative position of the first and second portions and/or on an absence of such detection.

Furthermore, the first part can have a lock for locking the first and second portions when the delimited cavity has the first depth or the second depth. For instance, the lock may be arranged to lock first and second portions in both of first and second depths positions or in only one of the first and second depth positions.

For example, the lock is arranged to lock the first and second portions in the first depth position and not in the second depth position. In the latter position, the first and second portions may be blocked in an end-of-movement position by a cartridge of second height.

The depth detecting arrangement can be configured to detect when the first and second portions are locked or unlocked by the lock.

The extraction unit may further comprise a mechanical sensor that senses the height of a cartridge and that controls the lock to lock or unlock the first and second portions when the sensor is actuated by a cartridge of first height or of second height. The seat may adapt itself mechanically to a cartridge seize (e.g. height) without having to involve an electric control system or a manual intervention to (pre-)determine the size (depth) of the seat. However, it is also possible to use such electric or even manual control systems.

Hence, the sensor may be actuated by a cartridge of any of the different heights or only by a cartridge of one of the different heights, e.g. only by a cartridge of the second height. The sensor has optionally a default configuration or position that corresponds to a cartridge of the first height, in which case the sensor does not need to be mechanically actuated to sense the cartridge of the first height.

The mechanical sensor may have at least one member that extends into the cavity of first and second depth and that senses the height of a cartridge at entry of a cartridge into the cavity. At least one member can be shaped to open, in particular by piercing, a cartridge. Such member can form at least one of a blade and a pin. Examples of blades and pins for opening a cartridge are disclosed in CH 605 293 and in EP 1 299 022.

For instance, the mechanical sensor controls the lock via a fully mechanical arrangement. It is of course also possible to use a lock that is controlled electrically or electromechanically or fluidically via the mechanical lock. These alternatives may be of particular interest when the lock is not a simple mechanical lock but includes electric, electromagnetic and/or hydraulic components. When the lock is itself only mechanical, the sensor, the lock and the control arrangement between the sensor and the lock may all be entirely mechanical.

Typically, the cavity of first and second depths is delimited by an inner wall extending about an axis of the first portion:from a mouth of the cavity forming an entry for a cartridge into the cavityto an opposite end at which the second portion can relatively move respectively towards and away from the mouth generally along the above axis to delimit the cavity respectively with the first and second depths.

Optionally, the opposite end forms an opening through which the second portion is movable along the axis to delimit the cavity respectively with the first and second depths. For instance, the second portion telescopes into and out of the above mention inner wall or the second portion telescopes about the first portion.

Typically, the cartridge has a cartridge axis of symmetry or of revolution that is generally parallel to the axis of the first part when the cartridge is located in the seat in the extraction position. The sensor may be movable generally parallel to the axis to sense the height of a cartridge. For example, the sensor is translationally mounted in or on the second portion. The second portion and the sensor may have a corresponding bearing such as a plain bearing for allowing relative movements of the sensor and the second portion.

The first portion may have a support:which is integral with or mounted to a cartridge receiver, in particular slightly movably mounted to compensate for a play of the first part and the second part in the extraction position, optionally the cartridge receiver being hydraulically movable along the support and sealed via a seal and/or being guided along the support via a guiding protrusion and cooperating guiding slot, e.g. as disclosed in EP 2 068 683; andalong which the second portion is relatively movable to the first portion, in particular translationally movable, to delimit the cavity having selectively the first depth and the second depth.

The first portion, in particular the support, and the second portion can be sealed by a seal secured in a recess.

The lock may have at least one barrier member, such as a barrier prism or roller or ball, that has:a locked position in which the barrier member intercepts the first portion and the second portion to lock the first and second portions for defining the cavity with the first depth or the second depth; andhas an unlocked position in which the barrier member is separated from at least one of the first and second portions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the depth detecting arrangement can be arranged to detect a position of the barrier member.

In this context, the barrier member is deemed to be separated from the first and/or the second portions when the first and second portions are not prevented by the barrier member from relatively moving between the first and second depth positions for forming the cavity of first and second depths. For this purpose, it is not necessary that the barrier member is physically or mechanically separated (or otherwise contactless) from the first and/or second portions; it is sufficient that the barrier member is functionally separated from the first and/or second portions in such a manner as to allow the relative movement of the portions.

For instance, the barrier member can selectively engage with and disengage from a barrier receiver, such as a protrusion or a recess, of the separable portion.

The barrier member may be separable from one of the first and second portions and guided, in particular by a supporting arm or a passage, along the other of the first and second portions.

The sensor may have a selector, such as a two-level surface, that selectively: secures the barrier member in the locked position; and releases the barrier member from the locked position so that it can move into the unlocked position.

To control the lock, the sensor may be movable into: a first sensor position by a cartridge of the first height; and/or a second sensor position by a cartridge of the second height. For example, the sensor is movable by a bottom part of a cartridge receptacle of a cartridge. The sensor may be biased, in particular by a spring, into: the first sensor position and movable by a cartridge of the second height into a second sensor position; or the second sensor position and movable by a cartridge of the first height into the first sensor position. For example, the sensor is biased by a spring extending between the sensor and at least one of the first and second portions and/or along an axis of the first and second portions. The sensor may have a cartridge opening member, in particular a member extending generally parallel to an axis of relative movement of a cartridge against the sensor, and is so biased that a mere opening of a cartridge is insufficient to move the sensor for locking or unlocking the lock.

The first and second portions can be relatively movable to delimit the cavity having the first depth by a cartridge of the first height acting on the first and/or second portions. The first and second portions may be relatively movable to delimit the cavity having the second depth by a cartridge of the second height acting on the first and/or second portions. In either case, the first and second portions can be relatively moved by receiving the cartridge in the seat. For instance, the first part and the second part are relatively moved to the cartridge extraction position with such a cartridge between the first and second parts. For example, a bottom part of a cartridge receptacle of the cartridge acts on (e.g. pushes) a receiving surface of the first and second portions. Such a surface can have a shape generally matching the bottom part of the cartridge. Such surface may be generally transverse to an axis of the first and second portions.

The first and second portions may be biased, in particular by a spring, to delimit the cavity having: the first depth, the first and second portions being relatively movable to delimit the cavity having the second depth by a cartridge of the second height acting on the first and/or second portions; or the second depth, the first and second portions being relatively movable to delimit the cavity having the first depth by a cartridge of the first height acting on the first and/or second portions. The first and second portions can be relatively movable by receiving said cartridge in the seat, in particular by relatively moving the first part and the second part to the cartridge extraction position with the cartridge between the first and second parts.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor and the first and second portions are biased by a same spring.

The invention also relates to a combination of an extraction unit as described above and a cartridge selected from cartridges of two different heights receivable in the unit for extraction.

The cartridge can have a generally cup-shaped receptacle with a bottom, in particular a receptacle for containing an ingredient that is extended on at least one side of the cartridge by a protruding cartridge guide and covered by a lid. The cup-shaped receptacle of at least one cartridge of the cartridges of different heights may actuate the sensor and relatively moves the first and second portions to delimit the cavity of the first depth or of the second depth.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a use, for providing a combination as described above, of a cartridge selected from cartridges of two different heights.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention is now described in relation withFIGS. 1 to 6.

An exemplary extraction unit10and components thereof are illustrated inFIGS. 2ato6. Such unit10is configured for extracting cartridges1a;1bof two different heights ha;hb. Unit10comprises a seat11,12,13;15for receiving any of cartridges1a;1bfor extraction thereof in the seat which is delimited by a first part11,12,13and second part15that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position (FIG. 2b) and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position (not shown).

For instance, extraction unit10comprises a piston-type extraction seat11,12,13;15for a cartridge1a;1bhaving its own sealing member, as for instance described in WO 2008/037642.

Such an extraction unit10may be incorporated into a beverage preparation machine arranged for receiving such cartridge1a;1band extract an ingredient contained in the cartridge for preparing a beverage.

For guiding cartridge1a;1bfrom outside to seat11,12,13;15, a guide arrangement, e.g. a pair of upright slides may be used to insert the cartridge by gravity via the slides. To immobilize the cartridge inbetween first11,12,13and second part15of the seat when in the loading position, a stopping device may be associated with the slides. Cartridge1a;1bis then enclosed by first and second parts11,12,13;15that are moved together into the extraction position. The cartridge is then extracted by circulating an extraction liquid, e.g. water such as heated or cooled water, through the cartridge. Upon extraction, first and second parts11,12,13;15are moved apart into the ejection position in which the cartridge can be ejected, e.g. evacuated by gravity.

Examples of cartridge handling principles that can be implemented in an extraction unit in accordance with the invention, in particular embodiments of the manner by which the cartridge can be retained in the brewing unit in position before closure, are disclosed in WO 2005/004683, the content of which is hereby included by way of reference. Generally speaking, the extraction unit may be of the type disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136, WO 2009/043630, WO 2012/025258 or WO 2012/025259. First and second parts11,12,13;15may be moved between the extraction position and the load

Second part15may include a beverage collector or guide and be associated with a beverage outlet16. Second part15, e.g. an extraction plate that may include opening members for instance of the type disclosed in EP 512 470 or simply one or more fluid passages, may be mounted fixedly or movably in a beverage preparation machine.

Likewise, first part11,12,13can be connected to a fluid source, such as a source of heated or cooled water, and can be mounted fixedly or movably in a beverage preparation machine.

First part11,12,13has a first portion11,12and a second portion13that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity12′ having selectively:a first depth da for receiving a cartridge1aof first height ha; anda second depth db for receiving a cartridge1bof second height hb.

For instance, first portion forms a generally hollow member11,12and second portion13forms a piston member13movable in hollow member11,12. Piston member13is in particular movable along an axis13′ of hollow member11,12and is optionally generally coaxial therewith.

First portion11,12may include a support11and a cartridge receiver12. Receiver12may be fixed or integral with support11. Alternatively receiver12may be slightly movable within support11, e.g. for compensating a play between first part11,12,13and second part15.

Receiver12may have a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical or frusto-domical inner surface121for receiving cartridges1a;1b. Typically, inner surface121is generally shaped to fit the shape of cartridges1a;1b.

In particular, support11may have a front part111to which receiver12is mounted; for instance, receiver12is mounted inside front part111. Support11may have a rear part112to which second portion13, e.g. a piston member13, is movably mounted; for instance second portion13is movably mounted inside rear part112. Second portion13may be biased towards and/or into receiver12by a spring142such as a compression spring, e.g. a spring housed inbetween a rear bottom of support11and second portion13.

First part11,12,13can have a lock112′,132,132′,142′ for locking first and second portions11,12,13when the delimited cavity12′ has first depth da or second depth db. Hence, the first and second portions may be locked by the lock when the cavity has either of the first and second depths or only when the cavity has one of the first and second depths but not when it has the other depth.

In the very particular example illustrated inFIGS. 2ato6, first and second portions11,12,13are only locked by lock112′,132,132′,142′ when the cavity has the first depth da (FIGS. 2a,2band 3b) but not when the cavity has the second depth db (FIG. 3c). In the latter case, first and second portions11,12,13are urged apart into a blocking position by the presence of cartridge1bheld between first and second parts11,12,13.

Unit10may further comprise a mechanical sensor14that senses the height ha;hb of a cartridge1a;1band that controls the lock112′,132,132′,142′ to lock or unlock the first and second portions11,12,13when the sensor is actuated by a cartridge of first height ha or of second height hb. Hence, the sensor may be actuated by a cartridge of any of the different heights or only by a cartridge of one of the different heights.

In the very particular example illustrated inFIGS. 2ato 3c, sensor14is only actuated by cartridge1bof height1abut not by cartridge1aof height ha. Hence, the default configuration of unit10with sensor14is based on the cartridge height ha (FIGS. 2a,2b), the sensor being actuated and the unit10changed only by the presence of a cartridge1b(FIGS. 3ato 3c).

Extraction unit10may be mounted in a beverage preparation machine as known in the art, e.g. provided with the functionalities disclosed in WO 2009/074550, e.g. a fluid line, a pump, a temperature conditioner such as a heater and/or a cooler, a water tank or other ingredient feeder, a waste ingredient collector, etc. . . . .

Suitable cartridges1a;1bare illustrated inFIGS. 1aand 1b. Typically, cartridge1a;1bhas a generally cup-shaped receptacle2a;2bwith a bottom3a;3b, in particular a receptacle for containing an ingredient that is extended on at least one side of the cartridge by a protruding cartridge guide5a;5band covered by a lid4a;4b. Cup-shaped receptacle2a;2bof at least one cartridge1a;1bof the cartridges of different heights ha;hb may actuate sensor14and relatively move first and second portions11,12,13to delimit cavity12′ of first depth da or of second depth db. Cup-shaped receptacle2a;2bmay be generally cylindrical, conical, frusto-conical, domical, or a combination thereof.

A cartridge1aof small height ha is illustrated inFIG. 1a. A cartridge1bof greater height hb is illustrated inFIG. 1b. Cartridges1a,1bmay have the same diameter d or a different diameter.

Cartridge1bhas a greater inner volume than cartridge1aand has thus more space for containing an ingredient, e.g. a beverage ingredient such as coffee, tea, cocoa, milk, etc. . . . .

For instance, cartridge1ahas a volume for containing 3-6 g ground coffee for the preparation on a ristretto or espresso coffee. Cartridge1bmay have a volume for containing 5-10 g ground coffee for the preparation of a lungo or americano coffee.

Cartridges1a;1bmay be used by circulating a liquid therethrough to mix it with an ingredient, e.g. a flavouring ingredient such as tea, coffee, cocoa, milk . . . and produce a beverage.

Liquid, e.g. heated or cold or cooled water, may be introduced at bottom3a;3b, circulated inside the cartridge between the bottom and lid4a;4b, e.g. generally along directions6a;6b, and then collected at the lid, or vice versa.

The bottom and/or the lid of the cartridge may be opened or closed prior to use. When they are both opened, liquid is simply circulated through the cartridge, e.g. under pressure such as from above 1.5 bar to 25 bar, to form the beverage in the cartridge and collect it outside the cartridge. When the bottom and/or the lid is closed prior to use, the opening thereof may be achieved: prior to circulating the liquid, e.g. the bottom may be pierced by introducing appropriate piercing elements into the bottom prior to water circulation as for example disclosed in WO 02/00073 or in WO 02/35977; or under the effect of the circulating liquid, e.g. the lid may be torn open as for example disclosed in EP 512468 or in EP 512470.

For example, cartridge1a;1bcomprises a cup2a;2band a closing membrane4a;4bwhich is sealed on the cup for forming a gastight enclosure containing ground coffee. The membrane of the cartridge forms the beverage delivery side of the cartridge that is torn in contact with a puncture plate14. Tearing of membrane4a;4bcan be obtained by the rise in pressure that takes place in cartridge1a;1bduring injection of water in the cartridge. Membrane4a;4bof the cartridge is so perforated to provide many small apertures from which the beverage can be released.

Mechanical sensor14can have at least one member141that extends into cavity12′ and that senses the height ha;hb of cartridge1a;1bat entry of such cartridge into cavity12′. Such member141may be shaped to open, in particular by piercing, a cartridge1a;1b. In particular, member14can form a blade141of a pin. As mentioned above, in the particular embodiment illustrated in the Figures, sensor14is actuated only by a cartridge1bof height hb but not be cartridge1a.

Cavity12′ can be delimited by an inner wall121extending about an axis13′ of the first portion11,12. For instance, axis13′ forms an axis of symmetry or of revolution of inner wall121. In a particular embodiment, wall121is generally conical, cylindrical and/or domical.

Inner wall121may extend:from a mouth122of cavity12′ forming an entry for a cartridge1a;1binto cavity12′to an opposite end123at which second portion13can relatively move respectively towards and away from the mouth122generally along axis13′ to delimit cavity12′ respectively with the first and second depths da,db.

Optionally, this opposite end forms an opening123through which second portion13is movable along axis13′ to delimit cavity12′ respectively with the first and second depths da,db.

In particular, cartridge1a;1bhas a cartridge axis of symmetry or of revolution6a;6bthat is generally parallel to axis13′ when cartridge1a;1bis located in seat11,12,13;15in the extraction position.

Sensor14can be movable generally parallel to axis13′ to sense height ha;hb of cartridge1a;1b. Optionally sensor14is translationally mounted in or on second portion13. Second portion13and sensor14may have a corresponding bearing such as a plain bearing131′,141′.

First portion11,12can have a support11:which is integral with or mounted to a cartridge receiver12; andalong which the second portion13is relatively movable to first portion11,12, in particular translationally movable, to delimit a cavity12′ having selectively first depth da and second depth db.

For instance, first portion11,12, in particular support11, and second portion13are sealed by a seal (not shown), e.g. an o-ring, secured in a recess113.

Receiver12can be slightly movably mounted along support11to compensate for a play of first part11,12,13and second part15in the extraction position. For example, cartridge receiver12is hydraulically movable along support11and sealed via a seal125, e.g. an o-ring, and/or is guided along support11via a guiding protrusion124and cooperating guiding slot114.

In the illustrated embodiment, lock112′,132,132′,142′ has at least one barrier member132, in particular a plurality of members132such as three, four, six or eight members, e.g. in the form of a barrier prism or roller or ball132, that has:a locked position in which barrier member132intercepts first portion11,12and second portion13to lock first and second portions11,12,13for defining cavity12′ with first depth da (FIGS. 2ato 3a) or second depth db (in a different embodiment); andhas an unlocked position (FIGS. 3band 3c) in which barrier member132is separated from at least one of the first and second portions11,12,13.

Barrier member132can selectively engage with and disengage from a barrier receiver112′, such as a protrusion or a recess112′, of separable portion11,12,13. Barrier member132may be separable from one of first and second portions11,12,13and guided, in particular at the end of a flexible arm or in a circulation passage132′, along the other of said first and second portions11,12,13. In the illustrated embodiment, barrier member132is separable from first portion11,12, in particular support11specifically from recess112′ in support11, and guided along second portion13, in particular in an passage132′ of second portion.

Sensor14can have a selector142′, such as a two-level surface142′ as illustrated inFIGS. 2ato5, that selectively: secures barrier member132in the locked position; and releases the barrier member132from the locked position so that it can move into the unlocked position.

To control lock112′,132,132′,142′, sensor14is movable into:a first sensor position by a cartridge1aof the first height ha; and/ora second sensor position by a cartridge1bof the second height hb.

For example, sensor14is pushed and moved by a bottom part3a;3bof a cartridge receptacle2a;2bof a cartridge1a;1b.

Sensor14can be biased into:the first sensor position and movable by cartridge1bof second height hb into a second sensor position; orthe second sensor position and movable by a cartridge1aof first height ha into the first sensor position.

Sensor14can be biased by a spring142such as a spring extending between sensor14and at least one of said first and second portions11,12,13and/or along an axis13′ of these first and second portions. For example, spring142extends between sensor14and support11and urges sensor towards mouth122of cavity12′. In particular, spring142can be housed in a rear part112of support11. A cartridge receiver12can be situated in or on a front part111of support11.

Spring142may be a helicoidal compression spring. In different configurations other springs are contemplated, e.g. traction springs, spring blades, spiral springs, etc. . . . . It is of course possible to use one or more springs. Other biasing elements are contemplated as well, such as one or more permanent magnets and/or electro-magnets.

Sensor14may have a cartridge opening member141, in particular a member141extending generally parallel to an axis13′ of relative movement of cartridge1a;1bagainst member141. Sensor14may be so biased that a mere opening of cartridge1a;1bby opening member141, e.g. a piercing of the cartridge by member141, is insufficient to move sensor14for locking or unlocking the lock112′,132,132′,142′. A sufficiently strong spring142may be chosen accordingly.

First and second portions11,12,13may be relatively moved by cartridge1bof second (or greater) height hb acting on first and/or second portions11,12,13to delimit cavity12′ having second (or greater) depth db. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions may be relatively movable by a cartridge of the first (or smaller) height acting on the first and/or second portions to delimit a cavity having the first (or smaller) depth. The relative movement of first and second portions11,12,13can be achieved by receiving cartridge1a;1bin seat11,12,13,15, in particular by relatively moving first part11,12,13and second part15to the cartridge extraction position with cartridge1a;1bbetween first and second parts11,12,13,15. A bottom part3a;3bof a cartridge receptacle2a;2bof cartridge1a;1bcan act on a receiving surface131of first and second portions11,12,13which surface131has a shape generally matching bottom part3a;3band/or which surface131is generally transverse to an axis13′ of first and second portions11,12,13.

First and second portions11,12,13may be biased, in particular by a spring142, to delimit cavity12′ having:the first (smaller) depth da, first and second portions11,12,13being relatively movable to delimit cavity12′ having second depth db by a cartridge1bof second (greater) height hb acting on the first and/or second portions; or (in a non-illustrated embodiment)the second (greater) depth db, the first and second portions are relatively movable to delimit the cavity having the first depth da by a cartridge of the first (smaller) height ha acting on the first and/or second portions.

The action of cartridge1a;1btypically results from receiving cartridge1a;1bin seat11,12,13,15, in particular by relatively moving first part11,12,13and the second part15to the cartridge extraction position with cartridge1a;1bbetween first and second parts11,12,13,15. By moving first and second parts together11,12,13;15, cartridge1a;1bmay be urged into cartridge receiver12.

Sensor14and first and second portions11,12,13can be biased by a same spring124, as illustrated inFIGS. 2ato4.

The cartridge is extracted by circulating an extraction liquid, e.g. water such as heated or cooled water, through the cartridge. Upon extraction, first and second parts11,12,13;15are moved apart into the ejection position in which the cartridge can be ejected, e.g. evacuated by gravity.

Seat11,12,13,15, in particular first part11,12,13, can have a depth detecting arrangement20. As for example illustrated inFIGS. 3aand 3c, such a detecting arrangement may include a control unit21connected to sensor22via a connection23such as electric wires.

Depth detecting arrangement20can be configured to detect when first portion11,12and second portion13delimit cavity12′ with at least one of the first and second depths da,db. For instance, detecting arrangement20is configured to detect when first and second portions11,12,13are locked or unlocked by lock112′,132,132′,142′. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 3aand 3c, detecting arrangement20is arranged to detect a presence of barrier member132in its unlocked position, once driven into a position corresponding to the configuration of cavity12′ having the second (greater) depth db. For instance, detecting arrangement20has a proximity sensor22for sensing the presence (or absence) of barrier member132, such as a capacitive sensor.

Depth detecting arrangement20may be used to adjust an extraction parameter. For instance, control unit21is connected to and controls the circulation of an extraction liquid into cavity12′. For example, when the depth detecting arrangement20detects that cavity12′ has a greater depth db, a larger volume of liquid is circulated than when cavity12′ is not in such a configuration.

As a variation, it is also possible to configure the depth detecting arrangement to detect when the cavity has the first (smaller) depth da. This may be achieved by placing sensor22adjacent to barrier receiver112′.

It is also possible to use a detecting arrangement for detecting when the cavity has selectively the first depth and the second depth, for instance by providing two sensors for sensing the presence (or absence) of barrier member132when selectively in the locked and unlocked positions.