Abstract:
A device used to extract a substance in order to produce drinks, includes a plurality of brewing chambers ( 7, 8 ). The device has an interface ( 6 ) which is used to connect to a hot water supply inlet and element for distributing the hot water between the brewing chambers ( 7, 8 ) containing a substance that is to be infused. For each brewing chamber ( 7, 8 ), the aforementioned distribution elements include elements for detecting the presence of the substance to be infused and elements for opening the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber ( 7, 8 ) upon detection of the substance. A machine including such a device is also disclosed. The invention is particularly suitable for making espresso coffee.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a device which is used to extract a substance in order to produce drinks comprising a plurality of brewing chambers. 
   It also relates to a machine incorporating the device according to the invention. 
   The invention is particularly suitable for producing drinks of the espresso coffee type, produced by pressurized hot water infusion of ground coffee. 
   More precisely, the invention may be applied to coffee machines able to use packages of the substance to be infused (ground coffee in particular) in the form of sachets made of filter paper. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
   The variety of consumer demands (coffees of various origins, decaffeinated coffee, etc) as well as concerns for productivity have led manufacturers of coffee machines to propose machines for producing a plurality of espresso coffees. 
   In this connection, Document EP-A-1 219 216 describes an automatic device for extracting a substance such as ground coffee, with, according to a particular embodiment, two brewing chambers which are parallel and supplied directly by two hot water supply lines. 
   Such a machine allows the simultaneous production of several drinks, but involves a multiplication of the means required for this purpose, according to the number of brewing chambers made. In particular, the electric controls and the hot water supply circuits must be multiplied to take account of the number of brewing chambers. 
   Furthermore, according to this prior art, the multiplication of the number of brewing chambers entails a general adaptation of the coffee machine calling into question its entire design and manufacture. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention constitutes significant technical progress with regard to the known prior art in the area concerned. 
   A first aim of the invention is to propose a device used to extract a substance making it possible to operate selectively or simultaneously a plurality of brewing chambers on the basis of a machine not initially comprising specific means for controlling supply to each brewing chamber, nor a separate supply circuit for each of the brewing chambers. 
   One advantage of this configuration of the invention is that it allows it to be adapted onto existing machines, at the pressurized hot water outlet of a conventional coffee machine. 
   The invention can therefore be embodied in relation to an existing machine by means of a connection interface and makes it possible, by connecting to a single source supplying hot water to the machine, to produce several drinks. 
   Another aim of the invention is to ensure the simultaneous or selective operation of the plurality of the brewing chambers without the need for additional control means for opening or closing the hot water inlet pipes in each brewing chamber. 
   In particular, by using the device of the invention, it is not necessary to add electromechanical systems of valves connected to control means on the front panel of the machine for operation by the user. The closing or opening of the hot water inlet circuits in each of the brewing chambers actually takes place automatically. 
   Consequently, by this invention, a device is manufactured that can be adapted to a coffee machine of standard design (and in particular designed to operate with a single brewing chamber per pressurized hot water supply source) without requiring changes to the body of the machine or to its control means. 
   Other aims and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment which is however not restrictive. 
   The invention relates to a device which is used to extract a substance in order to produce drinks, comprising a plurality of brewing chambers, characterized in that 
   It comprises an interface used to connect to a hot water supply inlet and means for distributing said hot water between the brewing chambers containing a substance to be infused. 
   According to the preferred embodiments this extraction device is such that:
         For each brewing chamber, the distributing means comprise means for detecting the presence of a substance to be infused and means for opening the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber upon detection of the presence of the substance to be infused,   It comprises, for each brewing chamber, a mobile member between:
           a hot water inlet shutoff position in which one end of the mobile member is deployed inside the brewing chamber,   a hot water inlet open position in which said end of the mobile member is retracted from the brewing chamber by bearing on the substance to be infused,   
           The brewing chambers are formed in part in a fixed component and in part in a mobile component between an open position and a closed position of the brewing chambers,   The fixed component and the mobile component are connected by swivel pin,   The mobile component is actuated by a lever mounted by pin on the fixed component and comprising at least one oblong hole cooperating with a guide finger on the mobile component,   The guide finger has a rectangular section and is mounted swiveling in relation to the mobile component,   At least one portion of the wall of the oblong hole comprises a slip coating,   The mobile component comprises, for each brewing chamber a filtering cup supported by a holder of adjustable height inside a housing formed in the mobile component,   It comprises two brewing chambers each with a mounted holder adjustable in height inside its housing by a pressure screw serving also to mount a guide finger.       

   The invention also relates to a machine for producing drinks from a substance to be infused comprising a hot water supply source and comprising a device of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings attached are given as examples and are not restrictive of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will enable it to be easily understood. 
       FIGS. 1 to 3  present respectively the front, side and perspective views of a machine for producing drinks of the espresso coffee type according to a first embodiment. 
       FIGS. 4 to 6  illustrate respectively the side, front and perspective views of a machine for producing drinks of the espresso coffee type in a second embodiment in which a device of the invention is incorporated at the level of a hot water supply outlet pipe, while another hot water supply pipe remains with a conventional filter and filter holder device with a single brewing chamber. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a particular embodiment of the opening and closing system of the brewing chambers of the device. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the device of the invention. 
       FIGS. 10 to 12  illustrate three cases of operation of the device of the invention with two brewing chambers. 
       FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  show more precisely the operation of the device of the invention in partial view for one brewing chamber. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The following description describes an embodiment of the invention suitable for the use of packages of a substance to be infused (such as ground coffee) in the form of sachets made of filter paper. 
   In the case of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a device  5  according to the invention is related to a coffee machine  1  of conventional design. 
   In particular, such a machine comprises a body  3  able to contain the means for producing and pressurizing hot water, as well as the electromechanical means for distributing said hot water. 
   The coffee machine  1  also comprises conventionally a front panel  2  able to receive various control means in the form of buttons for the functions of startup, and of activation of the pump in particular. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the device  5  according to the invention can cooperate with a coffee machine  1  of standard design at the existing pressurized hot water outlet pipe to supply continuously a filter and filter holder system able to receive the substance to be infused and constituting the usual single brewing chamber. 
     FIG. 3  shows in general that it is possible by means of the device  5  of the invention to constitute a plurality of brewing chambers  7 ,  8 , by cooperation with a single hot water supply pipe. 
     FIGS. 4 to 6  show another example of application of the device of the invention to a coffee machine  1  comprising two hot water outlet pipes usually allowing operation with a single brewing chamber each. 
   According to the example indicated, a device  5  is installed at one of the hot water supply pipes while a conventional system is retained at the other pipe. 
   In each case, it will be noted that the remainder of coffee machine  1  and in particular the means for controlling and distributing the hot water circuit have not been altered. 
   To achieve this result the extraction device  5  according to the invention has the characteristic of comprising an interface  6  used to connect to a hot water supply inlet  4 , and means for distributing said hot water between the brewing chambers  7 ,  8  containing a substance that is to be infused  13   a ,  13   b.    
     FIG. 7  shows an example of connection interface  6  as does  FIG. 9  which illustrates it in exploded view. In particular, the connection interface  6  may be in the form of a unit comprising a central opening able to be connected to a supply inlet  4  (or supply pipe) of the coffee machine. It is possible in particular to use standard securing means such as screws to secure the interface  6  to the body of coffee machine  1 . 
   Of course, the securing configuration (exterior dimension and positioning of the screws) of the interface  6  will be adapted to the type of coffee machine  1  to which connection is desired. 
   The extraction device also comprises means of distributing the hot water between the various brewing chambers  7 ,  8  containing a substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b.    
   The examples illustrated in the figures apply to the case in which two brewing chambers  7 ,  8  are constituted at a device  5 . However, this case is not restrictive. 
   In order to distribute the hot water in the brewing chambers containing the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b  without fundamental changes to coffee machine  1 , device  5  comprises for each brewing chamber  7 ,  8  means for detecting the presence of the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b , and means for opening the hot water inlet into brewing chamber  7 ,  8  upon detection of the presence of the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b.    
   Thus, automatically, the circuit of hot water inlet into a brewing chamber  7 ,  8  is opened by the simple pressure of the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b.    
   According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, and in particular in  FIGS. 9 to 14 , the detection means and the means of opening the hot water inlet of each brewing chamber  7 ,  8  consist of a mobile member  29   a ,  29   b.    
   Advantageously, the mobile member  29   a ,  29   b  receives at its bottom end a conventional spout system  24   a ,  24   b  able to distribute the incoming hot water on to the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b.    
   In idle position, the mobile member  29   a ,  29   b  has a bottom end projecting into the interior volume of the brewing chamber  7 ,  8 . 
   This idle position is ensured by default by elastic means of standard design, for example by springs  25   a ,  25   b  positioned inside a housing in the connection interface  6  making it possible to press the mobile member  29   a ,  29   b  on the rim of the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber  7 ,  8 . 
   To ensure leaktightness in this position, the mobile member  29   a ,  29   b  receives a seal  27   a ,  27   b , for example of the O-ring type making it possible, in this configuration, to close the hot water inlet of brewing chamber  7 ,  8  concerned. 
   Mobile member  29   a ,  29   b  may assume another position able to open the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber  7 ,  8 . 
   This is the case in particular in  FIG. 11  for the brewing chamber  7 . 
   Here, the presence of a substance to be infused  13   a  has caused the bottom end of the mobile member  29   a  to bear on the upper surface of the substance to be infused in sachet  13   a  which has caused the mobile member  29   a  to retract from the volume of the brewing chamber  7 . In doing so, the spring  25   a  has been constrained. Moreover, the retraction of the mobile member  29   a  has caused the gasket  27   a  to detach from the application surface in order to open the hot water inlet into the brewing chamber  7  as represented by the arrows showing the passage of the water. 
   The hot water coming from the supply inlet  4  at the connection interface  6  passes through the hot water inlet of the brewing chamber  7  to infuse the substance  13   a  present. The drink produced is then delivered at a flow nozzle  14   a  extending a funneling part for delivering the drink. 
     FIGS. 10 to 12  illustrate three operating configurations of two brewing chambers  7 ,  8  of the device  5 . 
   In the case of  FIG. 10 , the two brewing chambers  7 ,  8  are in an inactive position and no substance to be infused in sachet  13   a ,  13   b  is present. Consequently, the mobile members  29   a ,  29   b  are both deployed in the internal volume of each brewing chamber  7 ,  8  by closing the hot water inlet. 
   In the case of  FIG. 11 , a substance to be infused in sachet  13   a  is present in the brewing chamber  7 . On the other hand, the brewing chamber  8  has remained empty. Consequently, only the mobile member  29   a  is retracted to open the hot water supply circuit. The mobile member  29   b  remains in shutoff position of the hot water inlet of the corresponding chamber  8 . 
   There follows the production of a single drink in the brewing chamber  7 . 
   Another alternative is presented in  FIG. 12  in which substances to be infused in sachets  13   a ,  13   b  are present in each of the brewing chambers  7 ,  8 . Consequently, the two mobile members  29   a ,  29   b  are retracted so as to open the hot water inlet of each brewing chamber  7 ,  8 . Consequently, a drink is produced in each brewing chamber. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  show enlarged partial views of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 12 . In particular,  FIG. 13  shows a brewing chamber in closed and non-operating position while  FIG. 14  shows a brewing chamber in hot water supply open position for the production of a drink. 
   Still with reference to the figures, an example is given below of embodiment of the opening and closing of the brewing chambers  7 ,  8  for the entry or withdrawal of the substance to be infused in sachets  13   a ,  13   b.    
   Referring particularly to  FIGS. 7 to 9 , it is observed that the plurality of brewing chambers  7 ,  8  is formed in part (upper part) in a fixed component  9 , and in part (lower part) in a mobile component  10 . It is the movement of the mobile component  10  which ensures the opening or closing of a brewing chamber  7 ,  8 . 
   The part of the brewing chambers  7 ,  8  present in the fixed component  9  consists of cavities formed in the lower surface of the fixed component  9  and forms the zone of application of the hot water onto the substance to be infused  13   a ,  13   b . It is here that the spout  24   a ,  24   b  is received. 
   The mobile component  10  comprises a plurality of housings  23   a ,  23   b  each able to receive in its lower part a flow nozzle  14   a ,  14   b  equipped with a funnel and, in the upper part a cup holder  11   a ,  11   b  holding a cup  12   a ,  12   b  for reception of the substance to be infused in sachet  13   a ,  13   b.    
   Advantageously, the position of each cup holder  11   a ,  11   b  is adjustable in height in particular for fine adjustment of the pressure exerted by the rim of the cup on the rim of the sachet  13   a ,  13   b  in closed position with regard to the fixed component  9 . 
   As an example, each holder  11   a ,  11   b  may comprise a thread coacting cooperating with an interior tapping of the housing  23   a ,  23   b  to form a helicoidal slide able to raise or lower the cup holder  11   a ,  11   b . The final securing in position of the holder  11   a ,  11   b  is carried out by means of a pressure screw  15   a ,  15   b . This configuration is shown in detail in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . As concerns the opening or closing actuation of the mobile component  10 , it may be carried out by means of a lever  18  which is actuated manually by the user. 
   The fixed and mobile components  9 ,  10  are connected by a swivel pin  19  and are also connected kinematically with two arms  16   a ,  16   b  forming one piece with the lever  18 . 
   More particularly, each arm  16   a ,  16   b  is mounted swiveling on the fixed component  9  by means of two pins  17   a ,  17   b  which are clearly shown in  FIG. 9 . In relation to the mobile component  10 , the arms  16   a ,  16   b  each comprise an oblong hole  20   a ,  20   b  coacting in translation with a guide finger  21   a ,  21   b  mounted on the mobile component  10 . 
   Advantageously, guide finger  21   a ,  21   b  has a rectangular section and is mounted swiveling in relation to mobile component  10 , for example by means of a screw  15   a ,  15   b.    
   Advantageously, the mounting screw of each guide finger  21   a ,  21   b  is the same screw  15   a ,  15   b  as that used to hold in position cup holders  11   a ,  11   b.    
   Given the friction existing between the wall of oblong hole  20   a ,  20   b  and the surface of guide fingers  21   a ,  21   b , it may be useful to place a slip coating  22   a ,  22   b  on at least one portion of the wall of oblong holes  20   a ,  20   b.    
   This will be a coating having a low friction coefficient, and good wear resistance in relation to the materials used to constitute the arms  16   a ,  16   b.    
   In the open position of brewing chambers  7 ,  8 , lever  18  is raised and allows the entry of the sachets  13   a ,  13   b , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . An action by the user on lever  18  to cause it to rotate downwards allows the closure of brewing chambers  7 ,  8  to reach an operating configuration as presented in  FIGS. 10 to 14 . 
   It will be noted that the downward orientation of lever  18  to achieve opening allows easy application of the effort of closure by the user and guarantees correct closure of brewing chambers  7 ,  8  for perfect leaktightness. 
   Of course, the various components of device  5  of the invention and in particular connection interface  6 , fixed component  9  and mobile component  10  coact together in a leaktight manner by means of seals shown at reference marks  26   a ,  26   b , and  28   a ,  28   b.    
   It is also obvious that the example illustrated with two brewing chambers  7 ,  8  could be reproduced with another number of brewing chambers  7 ,  8 , without going beyond the context of this invention. 
   REFERENCES 
   
       
         1 . Coffee machine 
         2 . Front panel 
         3 . Body 
         4 . Supply inlet 
         5 . Device 
         6 . Interface 
         7 . Brewing chamber 
         8 . Brewing chamber 
         9 . Fixed component 
         10 . Mobile component 
         11   a ,  11   b . Cup holder 
         12   a ,  12   b . Cups 
         13   a ,  13   b . Substance to be infused in sachet 
         14   a ,  14   b . Flow nozzle 
         15   a ,  15   b . Mounting screw 
         16   a ,  16   b . Arm 
         17   a ,  17   b . Pin 
         18 . Lever 
         19 . Swivel pin 
         20   a ,  20   b . Oblong hole 
         21   a ,  21   b . Guide finger 
         22   a ,  22   b . Slip coating 
         23   a ,  23   b . Housing 
         24   a ,  24   b . Spout 
         25   a ,  25   b . Spring 
         26   a ,  26   b . Seal 
         27   a ,  27   b . Seal 
         28   a ,  28   b . Seal 
         29   a ,  29   b . Mobile member