EP1593326B1 - Dispensing device for stacked articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has fingers (30, 31, 32, 33) to selectively retain and release a capsule. An actuation unit (8) actuates the fingers between stop and release positions. The fingers are distributed on the circumference of a passage and are movable by being deployed transversely in a simultaneous manner towards the interior of the passage, until the stop position to form multiple support points distributed below the capsule. An independent claim is also included for a capsule distribution device comprising a capsule selection device.

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule selection device contained in a stack. The invention aims in particular the supply and distribution of capsules of the food type as in dispensers, beverage machines of the type coffee machines or other types of machines.

In the food industry, the use of food preparation systems from capsules, such as beverage dispensing machines, is expanding due to the many benefits typically provided by these systems. Such systems may be beverage dispensing machines, for example, that operate using capsules containing a beverage base. The consumer can prepare a drink using these capsules in a simple, fast and most of the time with a minimum of intervention for the preparation and / or cleaning.

These capsules may be, for example, portioned packages of configuration, size and / or very variable natures. They may be plastic film, filter paper, aluminum or composite laminate capsules and may be in the form of lenses, cups or other shapes.

In the case of intensive use of these machines, there is a need to have sufficient reserves in capsules to avoid out of stock and / or offer a wider choice of different capsules for the preparation of different specialties. For this, a reserve capsule can be formed in the form of a stack in a reserved space and used to supply capsules as needed.

For example, the patent US6,595,106 refers to a capsule magazine for storing multiple capsules stacked on top of one another. The capsules can be removed from the store on request by an opening at the base of the store. One disadvantage is that the capsules must be removed manually.

There is therefore a need to have a capsule selection device from a stack of capsules that is automated. However, such a device must relieve each capsule reliably and over a very large number of cycles. It must also be simple in design, fast actuation but able to adapt to capsules of different sizes and shapes. Some capsules of flattened shape tend to misbehave and the release of these capsules from a pile is problematic. Also, the device must take care of the release of the capsules so as to avoid jamming and skewed capsules.

The patent application US 2004/0031810 relates to a dispenser for flat articles, such as covers, from a stack. The purpose of the principle is to separate the stacked articles without isolating the first article intended to fall by gravity. Thus, the device comprises stop means of short length, such as needles and short blades, whose deployment is limited on the bors of the article. The stop means are independently connected to a peripheral ring at the central passage.

The invention relates to a device for selecting capsules from a stack of capsules contained in a container according to claim 1.

Such a configuration meets the requirements of a device that is reliable. Thus, the first capsule is maintained stably in several distributed locations; which prevents tipping during the release of the capsule and the possible jamming of the capsule.

Preferably, the first stop means are at least three or four regularly distributed around the perimeter of the passage. Indeed, the stability of the capsule is greatly improved when the stop means are in sufficient number. In addition, the number and distribution of these stop means around the passage promotes the descent of the capsule so as to avoid cross-positioning and jamming may result, in particular, the output of the device.

In addition, the shape of the stop means proves to be important in particular to ensure good support in a horizontal plane and avoid a release of the capsule. For this, the first stop means are formed of fingers configured to create lines or bearing surfaces under the capsule extending substantially towards the center of the passage in the off position.

Preferably, the first stop means terminate in free ends which are movable so as to describe an arc portion. Thus, the movement of the stop means is similar to that of a diaphragm so that during the release of the capsule, the support on the capsule is gradually and distributed around the capsule. This contributes to the stable capsule and releases it by preventing the capsule from going awry.

Preferably, each first stop means is attached to a transmission rod rotatably mounted on the body in the vicinity of the periphery of the passage. Such an assembly is thus particularly simple and reliable.

The device also comprises second stop means which are configured to retain the second capsule located above the first capsule in the stack at the moment when the first stop means are in the release position to release the first capsule. Thus, the first and second stop means cooperate synchronously to release the first capsule selectively ensuring the maintenance of the other capsules in the stack. This synchronization contributes to the reliability of the system and ensures its proper functioning; This allows to consider its use in any type of distribution system, including an automated system with payment system or not.

In the same way as for the first stop means, the second stop means extend transversely towards the inside of the passage, simultaneously in the stop position, to form a plurality of support points distributed under the second capsule. . Indeed, it is also important to keep the stack of capsules above the first capsule as stable as possible and avoid it to position sideways. A bad positioning can indeed affect the free descent of the capsules in the space which is affected to them, as in a tube for example. A bad positioning of the second capsule can still make its descent against the first means of stopping incorrectly.

In the same way as for the first stop means, the second stop means are at least three or four regularly distributed around the perimeter of the passage.

Similarly, the second stop means preferably terminate with free ends which are movable by describing an arc portion. In this way, the descent of the second capsule is by a diaphragm effect which ensures a horizontal descent and reduces the risk of jamming.

Also, each second stop means is attached to a transmission rod rotatably mounted on the body in the vicinity of the periphery of the passage; which rod is the same as that for each first stop means. Such a configuration contributes both to the guarantee of a perfect synchronization of the movements of the first and second stop means. In addition, each first and second stop means are thus attached to a transmission rod forming together, transversely to the passage, an "L" so as to take positions stopping in opposition of phases. Such a construction has the effect of ensuring good timing in the release and support of the capsules while maintaining the number of parts used as low as possible.

According to an advantageous principle of construction, the transmission rods are actuated in concert by means of a ring housed on the periphery of the passage; which is actuated alternately between the stop positions of the first and second stop means. This principle ensures that all the first stop means are actuated at the same time and that all the second stop means are actuated at the same time but to move in phase opposition with respect to the movements of the first stop means.

Such a device can be actuated by actuating means of any type. In one possible mode, the actuating means comprise electrical means of the solenoid type. In one possible mode, the actuating means also comprise mechanical means of the crankshaft type. It is understood that the electrical means could be replaced by a manual control lever type, drawer or others.

• Fig. 1 montre une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de sélection selon l'invention sans capsules;
• Fig. 2 montre le dispositif de la Fig. 1 sans le corps;
• Fig. 3 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif avec une première capsule retenue par les premiers moyens d'arrêt;
• Fig. 4 montre le dispositif de la Fig. 3 sans le corps;
• Fig. 5 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif avec une second capsule maintenue par les seconds moyens d'arrêt;
• Fig. 6 montre le dispositif de la Fig. 5;
• Fig. 7 montre le dispositif lors de la libération d'une première capsule par les premiers moyens d'arrêts.
• Fig. 8 montre une vue en coupe d'un module de distribution de capsules qui comprend le dispositif selon l'invention.

These characteristics and their advantages as well as other possible ones may be better understood in the light of the description which follows and the following drawings:

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a selection device according to the invention without capsules;
• Fig. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 without the body;
• Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the device with a first capsule held by the first stop means;
• Fig. 4 shows the device of FIG. 3 without the body;
• Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the device with a second capsule held by the second stop means;
• Fig. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5;
• Fig. 7 shows the device during the release of a first capsule by the first stop means.
• Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of a capsule dispensing module which comprises the device according to the invention.

The present invention relates to a capsule selection device of the type shown in Figs 1 and 2, by way of preferred example, and referenced in 1. Each capsule contains a dose of food product such as ground coffee for example . The device 1 thus comprises a body 10 on which the main elements are mounted, the body 10 delimits a passage 20 of size section and shape adapted to the passage of the capsules. The passage 20 is typically arranged facing a reserve of capsules located above the passage and coaxially with respect thereto. Such a reserve of capsules may be in the form of a capsule stack contained in a container as shown in FIG. 8, as will be detailed later in the description.

The device comprises first stop means 3 and second stop means 4; which means 3, 4 are arranged at two different levels in the passage 20. The first stop means 3 serve to hold the first capsule in the stack in place before its release. The first capsule is understood as being the capsule that is able to be released by the first stop means. The second stop means 4 serves to hold the capsule that follows the first capsule, when the first capsule is released by the first stop means. The following capsule is therefore called "second capsule" in the present application for the sake of clarity.

The first stop means 3 comprise a series of finger-shaped stop elements 30, 31, 32, 33 which are distributed around the perimeter of the passage 20. These elements are at least three or four in number to ensure stability and sufficient maintenance of the capsule. The number of stop elements is a function of the size and / or shape of the capsule. For example, for capsules of lenticular and relatively broad shape, of the order of 40 mm in diameter or more, the number of stop elements is preferably at least four, distributed uniformly around the perimeter of the passage for example, about 90 degrees between two elements. The stop elements provide support to the capsule according to a surface 300 or a line which extends in the deployed position towards the interior of the passage.

Second stop means 4 in the form of stop elements 40, 41, 42, 43 of substantially the same shape are provided at a vertical distance of approximately one capsule thickness above the stop elements 30, 31, 32, 34 of the first means. The first and second stop means are respectively mounted in pairs 30, 40; 31, 41; 32, 42; 33, 43 on transmission rods 50, 51, 52, 53. Each pair is mounted to form an "L" oriented transversely to the passage. The transmission rods 50, 51, 52, 53 are mounted in rotation relative to the body along an axis passing through their center O. All the transmission rods are also interconnected by a transmission ring 6 which is configured to move the rods in rotation when the ring is itself biased reciprocating movement relative to the center of the passage. For this, the rods comprise a base 501 which is fixed to the ring by a pivot point along an axis O 'offset externally relative to the axis O, thus transmitting the rotational movement to the rod during the pivoting movement of the ring. Each rod is finally mounted in an oblong slot 60 of the ring which provides guidance in rotation of the rod. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to properly maintain the ring relative to the body, the ring comprises an oblong series of light 61 traversed by fasteners 150 connected to the body. The ring can thus pivot in a guided manner relative to the elements 50, 51, 52, 150 of an amplitude determined by the length of the lights. This amplitude is thus a function of the amplitude of movements of the first and second stop elements to ensure their functions of stopping and releasing the capsules.

The pivoting movement of the ring 6 for transmitting the rotation to the rods is controlled by actuating means 8 which may comprise an electrically controlled system such as a solenoid 80. Such a system is able to transmit after receiving an electrical pulse. a linear movement back and forth by means of a piston 81. This piston 81 is articulated on a crankshaft 82 which converts this linear movement of the piston in circular motion transmitted to a shaft 83 at the axis O ". This circular movement of the shaft 83 is transmitted to the ring 6 by a lever arm 84 which is fixed in rotation along O "'on an extension 62 of the ring 6. Thus a back and forth movement of the piston 81 solenoid has the effect of rotating the ring in a guided manner in the lights and transmit a rotational movement to the rods which itself move the stop means in phase opposition and in two possible positions. Solenoid piston return control can be either an electrical pulse or a return spring (not shown).

It should be noted that the first and second stop means have free ends, respectively, 300, 400, opposite to those mounted on the transmission rod and which therefore move in an arc portion. This arc portion intersects with the edge 21 of the passage 20 and extends towards the interior of the passage so that the stop means retract by reducing the support with the capsule, the 22 to the edge 21 of the passage, in the manner of a diaphragm.

The displacement of the stop means is more clearly illustrated in relation to FIGS. 3-7.

Figs. 3 and 4 show the retention of a first capsule 90 on the first stop means 3 when they are deployed in position towards the inside of the passage. In this position, the piston of the solenoid is then in the retracted position. The second stop means are in the release position; this allows the stack of capsules to come into contact with the first capsule 90. For reasons of clarity, the stack of capsules, out put the first capsule, is not shown. By pulling in the T direction, the piston drives the ring in the pivoting direction A; which has the effect of transmitting a rotational movement R1 to the transmission rods and thus to deploy the first stop elements 3.

Figs. 5 and 6 show the retention of a second capsule 91 while FIG. 7 shows the release of the first capsule 90; these figures however showing the device in the same configuration of the stop means. In this configuration, the first stop means 3 are then retracted; which causes the second stop means 4 in the extended position to retain the second capsule 91 in the stack at the time of release of the first capsule 90. The passage in this new configuration is obtained by actuation of the actuating means, particular of the piston which takes an extended position. By pushing in the direction P, the piston drives the ring in the pivoting direction B; which has the effect of transmitting a rotational movement R2 to the transmission rods and thus to deploy the second stop elements 4. This deployment has the effect of preventing the descent of the capsule stack while the first capsule 90 is released. As soon as the first capsule 90 is released, the device returns to the mode of FIGS. 3-4 by returning the piston to the retracted position to cause the second capsule 91 to fall into contact with the first stop means 3; which then becomes the new first capsule selectable to be released at the desired time. The return of the piston can be done by a return spring, for example. These cycles are repeated for individual selection of capsules in the stack.

FIG. 8 shows a device 2 for dispensing capsules from capsules stacked in a charging system that uses the selection device 1 according to the invention. The dispensing device 2 comprises a loading system 7 comprising a removable tube 70 connected to a buffer tube portion 71 permanently mounted on the body 10 of the selection device. The buffer tube holder 71 is adapted to receive a number of capsules to allow the removable tube 70 to be able to perform the capsule replacement. The removable tube 70 and the tube support 71 may be associated by alignment means 72 whose function is to allow the tube to be connected. removable 70 to tube support 71 quickly and without dropping capsules out of the system.

Under the passage of the selection device 1 is positioned a capsule recovery assembly 73 comprising a first ramp 74 configured to orient the capsule on a second ramp 75 defining a clearance 76 for the recovery of the capsule. The second ramp comprises a flange 77 for stopping the sliding of the capsule. Ramps 75, 76 are positioned to have opposed sliding surfaces to ensure better tamper resistance of the device. The dispensing device may be associated with a control means such as a control button that controls the actuating means and a payment system for activating the control means (not shown). The payment system can be made by a coin mechanism and / or a payment module by magnetic card or smart card or by remote payment means such as telecommunication and / or multi-media.

The dispensing device and the loading system are described in detail in the co-pending European patent application, filed on the same day, entitled "capsule loading device for feeding a dispensing machine into capsules and / or products. and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention has been described by way of preferred examples. However, it is understood that the invention may include variants or equivalents within the scope of those skilled in the art which are covered by the following claims.

Claims (13)

1. Device for selecting capsules from a stack of capsules contained in a container, the device comprising:

   a body (10) delimiting a passage (20) for the passage of the capsules by gravity;

   first stop means (30, 31, 32, 33) for selectively retaining and releasing said first capsule (90); actuating means (8) for actuating said stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) between a stop position and a release position;

   the first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) being distributed on the perimeter of the passage (20) and

   being mobile in deploying transversely in a simultaneous manner towards the interior of the passage as far as a stop position, to constitute a plurality of support points distributed beneath a capsule (90);

   second stop means (4, 40, 41, 42, 43) configured to retain the second capsule (91) located above the first capsule (90) in the stack at the instant when the first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) are in the release position to release the first capsule (90),

   characterized in that
   each second stop means is connected to a rod (50, 51, 52, 53) which is rotatably mounted on the body (10), close to the periphery of the passage (20), which rod is the same as that for each first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that there are at least three or four of the first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33), distributed uniformly on the perimeter of the passage (20).
3. Device according to either of Claims 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) are constituted by fingers which are configured to create support lines or support surfaces beneath the capsule and which, in the stop position, extend substantially towards the centre of the passage.
4. Device according to either of Claims 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) terminate in free ends (300) which are mobile in describing a portion of an arc.
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that each first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) is attached to a transmission rod (50, 51, 52, 53) rotatably mounted on the body (10), close to the periphery of the passage (20), so as to render the stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) mobile.
6. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second stop means (4, 40, 41, 42, 43) deploy transversely in a simultaneous manner towards the interior of the passage (20) as far as a stop position, to constitute a plurality of support points distributed beneath the second capsule (91).
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that there are at least three or four of the second stop means (4, 40, 41, 42, 43), distributed uniformly on the perimeter of the passage (20).
8. Device according to either of Claims 6 or 7,
   characterized in that
   the second stop means (4, 40, 41, 42, 43) terminate in free ends (400) which are mobile in describing a portion of an arc.
9. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that each first and second stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 4, 40, 41, 42, 43) is attached to a transmission rod (50, 51, 52, 53), together forming an "L" across the passage, so as to adopt stop positions in opposition of phase.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that
    the transmission rods (50, 51, 52, 53) are actuated together by means of a ring (6) which is mounted on the perimeter (21) of the passage (20) and which is actuated alternately between the stop positions of the first and second stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 4, 40, 41, 42, 43).
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the actuating means (8) comprise electric means of the solenoid (80, 81) type.
12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the actuating means comprise mechanical means of the crankshaft (82, 83) type.
13. Capsule distribution device, characterized in that the device comprises
    a device for selecting capsules, according to any one of the preceding claims,
    a capsule loading system 7, and
    a capsule removal means 73.

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