Abstract:
The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising means for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a means for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. Said means for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of the U.S. application Ser. No. 10/544,014, filed Jul. 29, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,618, which is a continuation of the International application PCT/EP04/000498, filed Jan. 22, 2004 the content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the preparation of beverages using the principle of extracting a substance contained in a refill, known as a “capsule”, by passing a flow of water through it under pressure. The invention relates more specifically to an extraction module for a machine for preparing beverages, such as a coffee machine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is prior art to prepare beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate from capsules containing a predetermined serving of a substance to be extracted. The capsule format has the advantage of facilitating the operations of preparing the drink, ensuring clean preparation without leaving visible traces of the substance, and controlling the reproducibility and quality of the prepared product. 
     The principle of extracting from a capsule generally consists in (i) enclosing the capsule in a pressure-resistant chamber, (ii) piercing one of the faces of the capsule, (iii) introducing a quantity of hot water into the capsule to create a closed pressurized environment to produce the liquid coffee or other extract, (iv) releasing the liquid extract through the opposite face of the capsule, and (v) collecting the extract in a container of suitable capacity, such as a cup. 
     The problem of loading the capsule into the extraction system and removing it therefrom has already been the subject of a number of patent publications. 
     Patent application EP 1 090 574 A1 relates to an extraction device comprising a pair of jaws with a fixed jaw part and a movable jaw part, the latter being articulated to and moved over the fixed part, and a closing lever mechanism with a plurality of arms is associated therewith to close the movable part over the fixed part. 
     In published document WO 01/30218 A1, the principle is similar but a mechanism for ejecting the capsule is additionally provided, associated with a pulling arm of the movable jaw so as to detach the capsule from the bottom of the extraction chamber when the jaw is reopened. 
     Based on these principles, it is obvious that a closure device with two parts, one fixed and one movable, optionally associated with an ejector, is known. However, these devices are essentially manual closure devices and are not very suitable for automating the closure function. It should also be noted that because of the movement of the axes of articulation, such systems must be designed and assembled with precision so as to avoid clearances and problems in fitting the parts together. 
     Patent application WO 95/17121 relates to a device comprising an assembly formed of a fixed piston and a movable cylindrical body, the assembly being placed facing a boiler. Between the boiler, on the one hand, and the fixed piston and cylindrical body, on the other hand, is a zone containing the means for receiving, holding in position and ejecting the packages. The holding means and the reception means are different means. The former are not entirely retractable and are placed directly between the boiler and the cylindrical body to hold the side edges of the package, and the latter are retractable and placed on one side of the cylindrical body to simply stop the package in opposition to the force of gravity. Such a device is complex since it uses various parts to simultaneously hold and correctly centre the capsule (or package) in position in the extraction chamber. This involves several separate mechanisms for moving the means in order to close the extraction system. The offset position of the holding means can also give rise to problems of jamming or premature wear. Furthermore, such a device is also relatively bulky because of the peripheral position of the holding means and of the boiler. 
     Patent application WO 98/47418 relates to a method for converting an espresso machine operating in vertical extraction with pre-measured tablets used in a horizontal plane into an espresso machine operating in horizontal extraction with pre-measured tablets which can be used in a vertical plane. The machine has reception and ejection means consisting of a single retractable component which can be moved underneath the extraction member using an electromechanical manoeuvring means that is separate from the means for actuating the extraction member. 
     Patent application WO 00/38558 relates to an extraction chamber for an automatic machine composed of two movable parts in a horizontal plane, one of which is supplied with hot water, the other having a filter, the two parts being mounted so as to pivot vertically one opposite the other along their transverse axis. 
     Patent application WO 00/44868 relates to an extraction device comprising an extraction chamber composed of two parts that can move horizontally so that they can be moved towards or away from each other, the parts being mounted on an eccentric shaft that can transmit to them pivoting movements in opposite directions, the device comprising a pivot link braked between each eccentric shaft and each moving part so as to combine a horizontal movement and a pivoting movement for linking together the steps of opening and closing the extraction chamber. 
     SUMMARY 
     The object of the present invention is to propose an extraction device that facilitates the insertion, correct positioning and ejection of a capsule whilst overcoming the drawbacks of the devices of the prior art. 
     In this regard, the invention relates to a module for extraction, under pressure, for the preparation of a beverage from a capsule containing a substance to be extracted, comprising:
         extraction means comprising a first extraction sub-assembly and a second extraction sub-assembly that can move in closure against the first sub-assembly so as to form, in the closed position, an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule in a closure plane, and so as, in the open position, to maintain a sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies to allow the capsule to be inserted between the two sub-assemblies,   a means for holding and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies, partially closing the opening space to hold the capsule between the two sub-assemblies; characterized in that the holding and positioning means can be moved coaxially to the linear displacement of the movable extraction sub-assembly and can be pushed back linearly by the second, movable sub-assembly into a retracted position, allowing the two sub-assemblies to close around the capsule.       

     Thus, unlike known prior-art devices, alignment along one and the same displacement axis increases the reliability of the device by preventing jamming and also reduces the overall size of the device. The first sub-assembly may comprise a base on which the holding and positioning means may be mounted and guided slidingly so as to move along this base. 
     Preferably, the holding and positioning means is in the form of a single component able to centre the capsule in the opening space along several axes in the closure plane. 
     Thus, the functions of holding and positioning along several directional axes are performed by a single component, making the device simpler, more reliable and more compact. 
     The capsule can be held and centred correctly along several directions in the closure plane by means of, for example, a holding and positioning means having an open cylindrical portion for holding and centring the capsule and an annular guiding portion mounted around the base of the extraction sub-assembly. 
     In a preferred embodiment, capsule ejection means are provided for ejecting the capsule out of the module. As the capsule is fairly wet and pressed firmly against the surfaces of the extraction means owing to the effect of pressure, the ejection means detach the capsule after each extraction. The ejection means also help expel the capsule even when the module is only slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal. 
     Preferably, the ejection means for ejecting the capsule are operated, during opening, by the linear return action of the second, movable sub-assembly as it disengages from the first extraction sub-assembly. This configuration also helps simplify the system. 
     More specifically, the holding and positioning means is locked, in the retracted position, when the extraction sub-assemblies are closed and is unlocked, in the holding position, only after the capsule has been ejected by the ejection means. The unlocking of the holding and positioning means in the retracted position can be achieved directly by the linear return action of the movable extraction sub-assembly as it disengages. The holding and positioning means can then return to the holding position under the return effect of an elastic means, such as one or more return springs or any other equivalent means. 
     By linking the actuation of unlocking of the holding and positioning means to the ejection of the capsule, reliable sequential and controlled automatic functioning is achieved, ensuring that the capsule is ejected when there is a sufficient space between the extraction sub-assemblies and before the holding and positioning means returns to the position for holding a fresh capsule. 
     The ejection means may be activated in various ways. In a preferred example, the ejection means are elastically tensioned when the two extraction sub-assemblies are closed and freed from their elastic tension to cause ejection when the two sub-assemblies are reopened. The advantage of such an arrangement is that it links ejection to the opening of the extraction sub-assemblies without requiring the use of a separate mechanism for causing ejection or for electrically or electronically commanding opening. For example, the ejection means can consist of a lever in the form of a ring, articulated to the fixed extraction sub-assembly. The lever can be tensioned through contact with at least one leaf spring or any other equivalent means borne by the holding and positioning means. 
     The movable extraction sub-assembly preferably has linear actuation means, preferably of the piston type, which can be activated in closure by hydraulic or electric means. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first extraction sub-assembly is fixed. It comprises a capsule reception zone equipped with relief elements for opening the capsule. The second, movable sub-assembly comprises a complementary capsule reception zone and means for supplying water to the capsule. 
     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of the module according to the invention in a capsule insertion configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a view in section on I-I of  FIG. 1  in the same configuration with a capsule held in place; 
         FIG. 3  is a view in section on II-II of  FIG. 2  in an inclined capsule insertion configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the module according to the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a view in section on I-I of  FIG. 1  but in the configuration in which the module is closed around a capsule; 
         FIG. 6  is a view in section on II-II of  FIG. 1  but in a capsule ejection configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a detail view of the holding and positioning means of the module of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , the extraction module  1  comprises extraction means for receiving a capsule  12  and extracting a liquid extract from it by passing water under pressure through the capsule. The extraction means have a first sub-assembly  10 , which is preferably fixed, and a second sub-assembly  11 , which is preferably movable and which cooperates in closure with the sub-assembly  10 . The sub-assemblies  10 ,  11  each have a reception zone,  2  and  5  respectively, so as each to receive one face of the capsule when closed. The reception zone of the first sub-assembly  10  has capsule opening elements  22 , generally relief elements such as a plurality of pyramidal regions forming part of a pressure distribution plate  21 . 
     The fixed sub-assembly  10  has a base or trunk  6  through which a flow channel  60  passes to allow the liquid extract to flow out of the extraction chamber. The base  6  is fastened to a main body  8 , at the sides for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The body  8  and the base  6  delimit an internal space  14  with an insertion side comprising a slot  15  and an ejection side comprising an exit aperture  16  for the capsule. 
     The body also comprises a central bore  80  for the passage of a piston  20  forming part of the movable extraction sub-assembly. The piston is mounted through the bore  80  of the body and is connected integrally with an extraction spray device  5  comprising a reception zone with piercing elements  50  for opening the capsule. The piston  20  and the spray device  5  are assembled coaxially as a single piece and have a water intake channel  51  arranged so as to dispense water through the spray device  5 . 
     The piston is mounted elastically through the body against a compression spring  150  placed between a ring  140  fixed to the end of the piston and a housing in the body. Sealing between the piston and the inside of the body is achieved using seals  30 ,  160  placed on either side of an annular baffle formed between the piston and the inside of the body. Between them, the two seals  30 ,  160  thus delimit a pressure chamber  81  that can expand under the effect of a hydraulic fluid entering the chamber, supplied through a fluid intake  82  located at the top of the body ( FIG. 3 ). 
     It will therefore be understood that the movable sub-assembly essentially composed of the piston  20  and the spray device  5  is held in the position in which the extraction chamber is open, i.e. distanced from the reception zone of the fixed sub-assembly, owing to the compression exerted by the spring  150  that acts between the ring  140  of the piston and the body  8 . In this way, by passing hydraulic fluid into the pressure chamber  81 , the spring is compressed so as to push the piston and spray device as a single piece in the closure direction F 1 . 
     In the open configuration of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a sufficient space  14  is maintained between the two opposite reception zones  2 ,  5  to allow a capsule  12  to be inserted through the slot  15 . The capsule can be inserted through the slot  15  manually, by the user himself, or by semi-automatic or automatic loading means which are not described in the present application. 
     According to the invention, a holding and positioning component  9  is provided between the movable sub-assembly  11  and the fixed sub-assembly  10  to hold the capsule in place in the closure plane P of the module. The holding and positioning component  9  is arranged so as to immobilize the capsule along several directional axes by means of a partially open partially cylindrical portion  90 , more particularly visible in  FIG. 7 . The component also has an annular guiding portion  91  mounted around the base  6  of the fixed extraction sub-assembly. The guiding portion  91 , together with an ejection means  7 , preferably in the shape of an annulus (described in detail later on in the present description), serves as a holding shoulder for holding the edges of the capsule. As shown in  FIG. 3 , when inserted, the edges of the capsule are also held by the upper rim of the base  6  on which sealing is achieved when the spray device descends. On each side of the component, the component is extended along the body  8  by two fingers  93 ,  94  which engage in guiding grooves  83 ,  84  of the body. These fingers are connected to the upper end of the grooves by elastic return springs  85  keeping, when the module is open, the holding and positioning component  9  in a holding position, i.e. in a position in which the cylindrical portion  90  partially closes off the space  14 , in particular the exit aperture  16  and the edges in a direction perpendicular to the direction of said aperture. 
     The cylindrical portion  90  of the component is positioned so as to partially surround the zone  2  for receiving the capsule. Preferably, the portion  90  comes close to the periphery of the reception zone and is of a shape that geometrically complements the edges  120  of the capsule, preferably extending over a circumference of between 100 and 180 degrees, so as to hold the capsule along several directional axes and ensure the capsule is centred. The portion closes off part of the space  14 , preferably, so as to be centred on the side opposite the slot  15 . The component  9  is thus mounted coaxially around the base  6 , along an axis I, with respect to the linear displacement of the means for actuating the movable sub-assembly, i.e. the piston  20  and the spray device  5 . 
     The component  9  can be moved along a cylindrical portion  61  of the base between a holding position and a retracted position allowing the extraction sub-assemblies to be closed around the capsule. In the configuration of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the component  9  is in the position for holding and positioning the capsule under the action of the return springs  85  which keep the component at the top of the cylindrical portion  61  of the base. 
     The extraction module also has a capsule ejection mechanism  7  for helping to detach the capsule after extraction and eject it out of the module. The capsule ejection function should in fact work reliably for an unlimited number of extraction cycles without it being necessary to manually remove a capsule which has become wedged or stuck in the system. The ejection mechanism is provided to raise the capsule and detach it from the surface of the reception zone  2 . During extraction, the capsule is subjected to considerable internal pressure owing to the build-up of water in the capsule enclosure. The capsule is opened by tearing the material in contact with the relief elements of the pressure distribution plate. Thus, following extraction, the surface of the capsule is “stamped” with the reliefs of the pressure distribution plate and force must be applied from the reception zone surface outwards to detach the capsule and eject it. 
     The ejection mechanism is designed to be elastically tensioned when the two extraction sub-assemblies are closed and to be free of this tension so as to cause ejection when the two sub-assemblies are reopened. For this purpose, the ejection mechanism  7  consists of a lever comprising a ring portion  71  and an end  72  articulated to an articulation pin  62  on the base  6  of the fixed extraction sub-assembly. The diameter of the ring portion of the lever is substantially larger than the reception zone  2  to allow the extraction module to close, but this diameter is smaller than the diameter of the edges of the capsule so as to be able to engage with the edges and detach the capsule. Preferably, the lever  70  is housed, in the rest position, in a recess  95  formed in the holding and positioning component  9 . To trigger the lever into the ejection position, the holding and positioning component has elastic elements  92 , in the form of leaves fixed to the rim of the component  9 , which cooperate with the end  72  of the lever. The free parts of the elastic elements  92  extend above the recess  95  so as to be able to come into contact with the end of the lever, which has the effect of raising the ring portion during ejection. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a mechanism is provided for locking the holding and positioning component  9  in the retracted position, in order to keep the component  9  retracted during ejection of the capsule by the ejection means. The locking mechanism has two abutment surfaces  96 ,  97  positioned at the end of the fingers  93 ,  94  of the component. The surfaces  96 ,  97  cooperate in locking with two studs  86 ,  87  housed in the guiding grooves  83 ,  84  of the body when the component  9  is lowered along the base of the fixed extraction sub-assembly. 
     Finally, a mechanism is also provided for unlocking the holding and positioning component  9 , allowing the latter to return to its initial holding and positioning position of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This mechanism comprises studs  98 ,  99  inside the fingers of the component  9 , designed to be activated by hooks  220 ,  221  positioned on the periphery of the piston when the piston rises. 
     The principle of operation of the extraction module will now be explained to facilitate understanding of the steps of insertion, closure, opening and ejection of the capsule. 
       FIG. 3  shows the module with the extraction sub-assemblies in the open position. The module is preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to facilitate insertion of the capsule and ejection thereof by taking advantage of the force of gravity. The inclination may vary between 5 and 90 degrees, preferably between 20 and 80 degrees. Under the effect of the compression spring  150 , the piston is held in the retracted position to create a sufficient space  14 . The holding and centring component  9  is engaged in the position for holding and positioning a capsule by virtue of the return springs  85 . A capsule may therefore be inserted through the slot  15 . When a capsule is inserted, the edges  120  of the capsule come into abutment against the portion of complementary shape  90  of the component, thus centring the capsule in the middle of the extraction zone. The capsule therefore rests freely on the reception zone  2  against the pressure distribution plate  21 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the step of closing the module. The piston  20  is activated by the introduction of a hydraulic fluid into the pressure chamber  81 . The piston drives the spray device  5  so that it closes against the capsule in the direction F 1 . As the piston descends, the holding and positioning component  9  is pushed back by the lower edges of the piston until the component is in a retracted position at the bottom of the base  6 . At the end of closure, the moving sub-assembly tensions the ejection mechanism  7 . Specifically, the seal  52  of the spray device holds the lever  70  in the folded position whilst the elastic elements of the component  9  are subjected to elastic bending owing to the relative movement of the component  9  with respect to the end  72  of the lever. When the component  9  descends, the end, which is fixed, forces the moving leaves  92  to bend, thus tensioning the ejection mechanism. 
     When the module is closed, the component  9  is then automatically locked in the retracted position by the locking mechanism. More precisely, the abutment surfaces  96 ,  97  of the fingers of the component  9  then cooperate against the abutment surfaces  86 ,  87  of the body, thus immobilizing and locking the component  9 . 
     The extraction operation, which consists in extracting the liquid extract under hot water pressure, is known per se and does not need to be explained in the present application. 
       FIG. 6  shows the reopening and ejection step. Reopening is commanded by the piston  20  and the spray device  5  rising in the direction F 2 . The component  9  is still locked by the above-described locking mechanism, whilst the rise of the piston gradually frees the ejection mechanism  7  by releasing the tension created in the leaves during closure. The lever of the ejection mechanism then pivots about the articulation pin  62 , thus detaching the capsule and inclining it further with respect to the vertical on the side of the exit aperture  16 . The capsule can then fall under gravity into a container for empty capsules (not shown). The action of the ejection mechanism is concomitant with the rise of the piston. At the end of travel of the piston, the component  9  is then freed by the hooks  220 ,  221  of the piston, which act on the studs  98 ,  99 , moving the fingers  93 ,  94  away and disengaging the abutment surfaces. The component  9  is then returned to the holding and positioning position by the return springs  84 ,  85 . 
     The invention relates to an extraction module that can be installed in a beverage dispenser or machine using any type of pre-measured capsule. A dispenser or machine may contain one or more modules, depending on the required capacity. The module of the invention offers loading/extraction/ejection cycles that are more reliable and faster than those commonly available. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.