EP2785222A1

EP2785222A1 - Adapter for loading a machine for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: EP2785222A1
Application number: EP11801801.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alain Frydman; Mohamed BACCOUCHE
Original assignee: Freydman Philippe
Current assignee: Freydman Philippe
Priority date: 2011-11-30
Filing date: 2011-11-30
Publication date: 2014-10-08
Also published as: WO2013079813A1

Abstract

The adapter is designed to be arranged in the device (13) for introduction into the machine (1) and to make it possible to load the capsule (3) in an intermediate position located in the vertical direction at a second height between the first height minus 2 mm on the one hand and the first height plus 2 mm on the other hand and/or in which the central axis (X) of the capsule forms an angle of less than 15° with respect to the predetermined orientation.

Description

Adapter for loading a beverage preparation machine

The invention generally relates to the loading of beverage machines by extraction of a capsule.

More specifically, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an adapter for loading a capsule into an extraction machine for extracting beverages, the machine being of the type comprising:

- a fixed part;

a movable part relative to the fixed part, between an open position in which the capsule can be loaded gravitarily in the machine and a closed position in which the fixed and movable parts hold the capsule in an extraction position in which a drink is capable of being prepared by extraction of the capsule, the capsule in the extraction position being located at a first determined height in the vertical direction and having a central axis X having a determined orientation;

a device for introducing the capsule gravitarily into the machine.

A machine of this type is known from EP 2 103 236. The device for introducing the capsule comprises two parallel slides to one another, in which the collar of the capsule is introduced. Stoppers stop the capsule in the intermediate position. When the moving part is moved from its open position to its closed position, the movable part supports the capsule to move it from the intermediate position to the extraction position, forcing the collar of the capsule to pass below the stops.

It happens that the capsule gets stuck during its movement from the intermediate position to the extraction position. These jams come from a wrong positioning of the capsule on the stops, or a poor support of the capsule by the moving part.

In this context, the invention aims to provide an adapter for improving the reliability of gravity loading machines.

To this end, the invention relates to an adapter shaped to be arranged in the device for introducing the machine and to enable the capsule to be loaded in an intermediate position located in the vertical direction at a second height between the first height minus 2 mm on the one hand, and the first height plus 2 mm on the other hand and / or in which the central axis X of the capsule forms an angle less than 15 ° relative to the determined orientation. Thus, the adapter makes it possible to load the capsule in an intermediate position which is close, vertically and / or in orientation, of the extraction position.

For machines of the type described above, where the moving part during its movement causes the capsule from the intermediate position to the extraction position, the adapter is particularly advantageous.

If the intermediate position is vertically close to the extraction position, the displacement of the capsule is essentially horizontal. The forces to be applied to the capsule to move it are extremely limited since it is not necessary to force the capsule to move relative to stops vertically over a large height, deforming the collar during this movement. The movement is almost horizontal, so that the stops are not crossed vertically by forcing on the collar of the capsule to deform.

As indicated above, the intermediate position is located in the vertical direction at a second height between the first height less 2 mm on the one hand, and the first height plus 2 mm on the other hand, preferably between the first height minus 1 mm and the first height plus 1 mm, and even more preferably between the first height minus 0.5 mm and the first height plus 0.5 mm. Advantageously, the intermediate position is located at the same height, in the vertical direction, as the extraction position.

The first and second heights are typically taken in the vertical direction when the machine is resting on a horizontal surface.

The first and second heights of the capsule are taken by considering a reference point of the capsule, for example the geometric center of the outlet face of the capsule. The exit face corresponds to the face of the capsule in which the exit zone of the fluid is formed. It is typically bounded by the collar of the capsule. Typically, the exit face is circular, the geometric center then being the center of the exit face.

If the orientation of the capsule in the intermediate position is close to that of the extraction position, the management of the capsule by the movable part is facilitated.

Preferably, the central axis X of the capsule forms an angle less than 15 ° with respect to said determined orientation, preferably less than 12 ° and more preferably less than 10 °.

The movable portion typically comprises a housing in which the bottom and the side wall of the capsule are housed in the extraction position. The orientation of the capsule in the intermediate position facilitates the introduction of the bottom of the capsule into the housing of the moving part when moving this movable part from the open position to the closed position. The risk of jamming is reduced.

The capsule typically comprises a tubular wall closed on one side by a bottom, and on the other side by an end face. The flange is secured to the tubular wall and extends around the exit face. The central axis of the capsule typically corresponds to the central axis of the tubular wall of the capsule.

Preferably, the adapter is shaped to allow loading of the capsule gravitarily in the intermediate position. Thus, the adapter does not change the loading mode of the capsule and the habits of the user.

In this case, the adapter typically comprises two slides provided to cooperate with a flange of the capsule, and relief blocking of the flange in the slides at the intermediate position of the capsule.

This loading mode is particularly convenient.

The slides are typically parallel to one another and have grooves open towards each other. They cooperate with two diametrically opposite zones of the collar of the capsule. These diametrically opposite zones slide inside the two slides until they come into contact with the locking reliefs. The locking reliefs are typically arranged at the bottom of the slides. Their height relative to the bottom of the slides are dimensioned to allow the stop of a sliding capsule in the slides under the effect of gravity.

The slides have grooves of reduced thickness, which is only slightly greater than the thickness of the collar. It is thus possible to maintain the capsule in an orientation where its flange is substantially in the plane defined by the two slides. In the intermediate position, the central axis X is in an orientation close to that of the extraction position. This reduces the risk of jamming, especially for machines of the type described above, where the capsule is moved from its intermediate position to its extraction position by the movable part.

Thickness here means the internal dimension of the groove of the slide, taken in the direction of the central axis of the capsule in the extraction position.

Typically, the adapter comprises between the two slides an opening for the passage of the capsule, facing the intermediate position.

Thus, the capsule can leave its intermediate position not by a vertical movement, that is to say parallel to the slides, but rather by a horizontal movement, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to the slides, passing through the opening. Thus, it is not necessary to move the capsule downward by deforming the collar, which would require applying a large force on the capsule. This would increase the risk of jamming of the capsule when moving the moving part.

More specifically, the opening has a shape adapted to hold the capsule in the intermediate position and to allow the capsule to pass through deformation of the collar under the effect of the displacement of the movable part from its open position to its closed position.

Thus, when the capsule is locked in the intermediate position by the locking reliefs, it can not pass accidentally through the opening. It is retained by the edges of the opening cooperating with the flange. For this purpose, an opening having the same general shape as the collar of the capsule, for example a circular shape, is typically chosen. The section of the opening is then slightly smaller than the section of the collar. However, the section deviation is provided so that the flange can easily engage through the opening, by deformation of this flange, under the effect of the displacement of the movable part that comes to support and which solicits the capsule towards the opening. The section difference is chosen so that the effort to be applied to the collar is reasonable.

The section of the opening may be circular, rectangular, polygonal, or may have any other suitable shape. It may be of different shape from that of the collar, for example so that its edge has only a few points of contact with the flange, distributed around it.

For machines with a toggle mechanism for example, the section difference is chosen so that the user does not have to force on the lever arm and that a senior can make this movement. For example, the flange and the opening are circular, and the difference in diameter between the flange and the opening is between 0.01 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.02 mm and 1.5 mm, and more preferably between 0.02 mm and 1 mm.

Alternatively, the opening has a shape adapted to hold the capsule in the intermediate position and to let the capsule by elastic deformation of the adapter under the effect of the displacement of the movable portion of its open position to its closed position. In this case, the capsule does not deform at the time of passage of the collar through the opening, or it deforms very little compared to the embodiment described above. In contrast, the adapter is made of a flexible material, or at least the edge of the opening is made of a flexible material. This material is deformed elastically to let the collar of the capsule. Here again, the section of the opening and the material constituting the edge of this opening are chosen so that the effort to apply to let the capsule through the opening is reasonable.

Preferably, the opening is open downwards.

Indeed, as indicated above, the capsule moves from its intermediate position to its extraction position through the opening. The collar is thus released slides in position and extraction. After extraction, and withdrawal of the movable part from its closed position to its open position, the flange is then free to move gravitarily downwards, since it is no longer blocked by the blocking reliefs.

The capsule, during loading, is oriented so that the tubular wall is engaged in the opening once the flange passed through this opening. The fact that the opening is open down allows the capsule to fall by gravity out of the machine once the moving part returned to its open position after extraction of the capsule.

Indeed, the tubular wall has a reduced diameter relative to the flange, and is not hindered in its downward movement by the stops.

Typically, the adapter comprises a wall in which is formed the opening, the slideways being formed of a first side of the wall, the adapter comprising a shim of a second side of the wall opposite the first side, facing of the opening, to block the capsule after passing through the opening. The wedge is typically integral with the wall. It blocks the capsule in its extraction position. When the adapter is in place in the machine, the wedge bears against the fixed part of the machine, for example around a grid provided for the passage of the drink coming out of the capsule. The wedge is typically arranged so that the flange of the capsule comes into abutment against said wedge in the extraction position. It is arranged not to prevent the exit of the drink through the exit face of the capsule. Also, it covers only a very limited surface of said exit face. Typically, the shim has an annular shape and defines internally a circular orifice of smaller diameter than the opening in the main wall. The aperture and the aperture are typically coaxial.

However, the wedge could have another shape, square, rectangular or any other suitable form.

Preferably, the wall and the wedge define between them a groove, the slides being open in a first direction to allow the loading of the capsule, the groove being open in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the evacuation of the capsule after extraction. When the adapter is in place in the machine, the first direction is oriented upwards and the second direction is down. Once the capsule has been pushed through the opening by the movable portion, the collar abuts against the wedge. It is then engaged in the groove. This groove guides the collar during the evacuation of the capsule, after extraction.

Alternatively, the adapter has two rails completely independent of one another. They are not linked to each other by an element belonging to the adapter. The adapter does not have a main wall. The slides are placed independently of one another in the machine, and are spaced apart from each other. They then define between them the passage opening of the capsule.

This saves a significant amount of material and reduces the cost of the adapter.

Typically, the adapter comprises means for attachment to the machine, in an orientation where the slides are substantially vertical.

This is particularly suitable in case the adapter is gravity loading. These attachment means comprise for example a flange substantially perpendicular to the slides, and intended to be placed on an upper horizontal surface of the machine.

In this case, the slides are arranged substantially vertically in the loading shaft of the machine. This loading shaft is open upwards and itself has two loading rails normally used to load the capsule into the machine in the absence of adapter. The slideways of the adapter, in a first embodiment, are housed in the slideways of the machine. This is possible because the slides of the adapter are less thick than the grooves of the slides of the machine.

In this case, a capsule is preferably used with the adapter, the collar of which has a smaller external diameter than the original capsule, intended to be used in the machine without an adapter. Indeed, the spacing between the locking reliefs of the adapter is smaller than the spacing between the stops originally provided on the machine.

The adapter can also be placed outside the slides. In this case, the adapter is disposed in an orientation where the slides of the adapter are substantially parallel to the slides of the machine. For example, the adapter is adjacent to the slides of the machine and is disposed on one side of these rails opposite the grid of the machine provided for the passage of the drink coming out of the capsule.

In this case, it is used with the adapter is a capsule whose collar has a reduced outer diameter relative to the original capsule, or a capsule whose collar has the same external diameter as the original capsule. Indeed, the spacing between the locking reliefs of the adapter can be indifferently smaller than the spacing between the stops originally provided on the machine, or equal, or even larger.

The rim can be glued to the machine. Similarly, the wall of the adapter can be glued to a surface of the casing of the machine.

In another embodiment, the adapter is designed so that the capsule is first mounted on the adapter outside the machine. Then, the adapter and the capsule are placed together in the machine, so that the capsule is in its intermediate position.

In this case, the adapter is not shaped to allow loading of the capsule gravitarily in the intermediate position. It is not necessary to provide slides on the adapter. On the contrary, the adapter may comprise only means for locking the flange opposite the passage opening of the capsule.

In a first embodiment, the capsule is driven through the opening by the movable part of the machine, as described above. The opening is open downwards to allow the capsule to be evacuated gravitarily downwards when the moving part returns to the open position.

According to a second variant embodiment of the invention, the capsule does not pass through the opening. The intermediate position acts directly as extraction position. The adapter has an opening, but this is only for the passage of the drink. The capsule, after extraction, is removed from the machine from the top, with the adapter. Thus, the adapter in this embodiment is used for the introduction and evacuation of the capsules.

In this case, the adapter comprises sealing means between the opening for passage of the drink formed in the adapter, and the output grille of the fixed part of the machine.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a machine for preparing drinks by extraction of a capsule and an adapter, as described above.

Preferably, the extraction position of the capsule is deduced from the intermediate position by a translation along a determined direction. This direction is advantageously horizontal. Such an arrangement is favorable to allow easy movement of the capsule from its intermediate position to its extraction position.

Preferably, the adapter comprises two slideways provided to cooperate with a flange of the capsule, reliefs of blocking of the flange in the slides to the intermediate position of the capsule, and an opening between the two slides provided for the passage of the capsule, facing the intermediate position, the opening being adapted to let the moving part moving from its open position to its closed position. Thus, it is easy for the moving part to move the capsule from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

According to another embodiment, the machine comprises two loading slides each having a groove of predetermined thickness, the adapter comprising two bars arranged in the two grooves so as to reduce the thickness of the groove. The thickness is taken here according to the determined orientation of the central axis of the capsule in the extraction position.

The free thickness of the grooves, available for the passage of the collar of the capsule, is thus reduced. The flange of the capsule is held in an orientation close to the vertical as the flange is engaged in the slideways, especially in the intermediate position. The central axis X of the capsule is then kept close to said determined orientation of the central axis of the capsule in the extraction position. Thus, the central axis X of the capsule forms an angle less than 15 ° with respect to said determined orientation, preferably less than 12 ° and more preferably less than 10 °.

This facilitates the introduction of the bottom of the capsule into the housing of the moving part of the machine during the movement of this moving part from the open position to the closed position. The risk of jamming is reduced.

This is particularly important if the capsule used has a collar of external diameter slightly smaller than the nominal diameter. The nominal diameter corresponds to the external diameter of the collar of the original capsule, intended to be used in the machine without adapter.

The capsule used has for example a diameter smaller than the nominal diameter of

1/1 o ^th mm to 3 mm, preferably ^1/10 mm to 2 mm, more preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm.

The nominal diameter is typically 37 mm (+/- 5/100 mm).

Such a capsule stops at a lower intermediate position than the original capsule, when it is inserted into the slides of the machine. It is stopped in the intermediate position by the stops of the machine. It stops at a height between the first height minus 2 mm on the one hand, and the first height plus 2 mm on the other hand, preferably between the first height less 1 mm and the first height plus 1 mm, and still preferably between the first height minus 0.5 mm and the first height plus 0.5 mm. Advantageously, the intermediate position is located at the same height, in the vertical direction, as the extraction position. In the absence of bars, the fact that the capsule stops in a low intermediate position, combined with the fact that the capsule has a flange inclined relative to the vertical, increases the risk of jamming during the displacement of the moving part of the machine. The bottom of the capsule, located very low, may interfere with the moving part, without entering the housing of the movable part. The adapter makes it possible to straighten the capsule in the intermediate position, and to place the collar practically in a vertical plane. The above risk is removed.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of loading a capsule into an assembly as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

- put the adapter into the machine;

- load a capsule gravity in the adapter to the intermediate position;

moving the mobile part from the open position to the closed position, the mobile part driving the capsule from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

Finally, according to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a machine for the preparation of drinks by extracting a capsule, an adapter as described above, and a capsule adapted to be loaded into the machine by the machine. adapter.

The capsule is for example of the type described in the patent applications

PCT / FR201 1/051320 or PCT / FR201 1/051321 or PCT / FR201 1/051343 or PCT / FR201 1/051348. It contains an extractable product such as coffee, tea, chocolate or any other suitable product.

The capsule preferably has a collar of reduced external diameter, as described above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic representation, from the side, of the sequence of loading and evacuation of a capsule in a machine equipped with an adapter according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic representation, in top view of the machine, showing two possible positions of the adapter in the loading shaft of the machine;

Figures 3 to 5 are perspective views, at different angles, of the adapter of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the adapter;

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of two further embodiments of the adapter of the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the adapter of the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the adapter of the invention;

- Figure 1 1 is a schematic representation of the respective intermediate positions of the original capsule intended to be used in the machine, and a capsule specially adapted for use with the adapter of Figure 10; and

- Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, showing the specially adapted capsule in the intermediate position, in the presence of the adapter and without adapter.

The machine 1 shown in Figure 1 is a machine for preparing drinks by extracting a capsule. The capsule 3 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a peripheral wall 5 of frustoconical and X-axis shape, a bottom 7 closing an axial end of the wall 5 and a front face 9 closing a second axial end of the wall 5. The wall frustoconical 5 goes flowing from the bottom 7 to the front face 9. The capsule 3 contains an extractable product, for example ground coffee, tea, possibly with additives. The capsule 3 also comprises a collar 1 1 integral with the wall 5. The collar 1 1 extends in the plane of the end face 9. It surrounds the latter and projects radially outwards with respect to the wall 5.

The machine 1 is of the loading type and gravity evacuation. It comprises a well 13 allowing the introduction of the capsule vertically in the machine, in a movement from top to bottom. After extraction of the capsule, this capsule falls into a used capsule collecting tray, not shown. This tray is placed at the bottom of the machine. The used capsule falls into the tank gravity.

The machine has a fixed portion 15, and a movable portion 17 relative to the fixed portion, between an open position shown in Figure 1 and a closed position (not shown). The fixed part 15 comprises, inter alia, a grid 19 provided to let the beverage prepared by extraction of the capsule. After passing through the grids 19, the drink flows into a container placed by the user under the machine. The circulation channel of the beverage downstream of the grid 19 is not shown.

The movable portion 17, as visible in Figure 1, internally delimits a housing 21 provided to receive the bottom 7 and the peripheral wall 5 of the capsule. In the open position of the mobile part 17, the capsule can be loaded gravitarily in the machine 1. In this open position, the movable portion 17 is spaced from the grid 19.

In the closed position, the fixed and mobile parts 17 hold the capsule 3 in an extraction position in which a beverage can be prepared by extraction of the capsule. In this closed position, the mobile part 17 is shifted towards the grid 19. The bottom 7 and the side wall 5 of the capsule are engaged in the housing 21. The flange 1 1 is clamped between the movable part and the fixed part, with possibly interposition of other elements, as explained below. Thus, the movable portion 17 moves from its open position to its closed position in a movement that brings it closer to the fixed part, and more precisely to the grid 19.

The machine 1 further comprises a mechanism for controlling the movement of the movable portion 17 between its open and closed positions, not shown.

The machine 1 also comprises a device not shown for supplying the housing 21 with a fluid, for example water vapor. The water vapor passing through the capsule carries out the extraction of the product stored in the capsule, which produces the drink.

The machine may also comprise mechanical means, such as blades or pins, for creating a fluid inlet zone by drilling the bottom 7 of the capsule and a fluid outlet zone by drilling the front face 9 of the capsule. Piercing occurs when the capsule 3 is pinched between the fixed and mobile parts.

These means are not represented.

As shown in Figure 1 and 2, an adapter 23 is placed in the loading shaft 13 of the machine. This adapter is best seen in Figures 3 to 5. The adapter 23 comprises:

a main wall 25, substantially flat;

a flange 27, integral with the wall 25, and provided for fixing the adapter on the machine;

two guides 29 for guiding the flange 11 of the capsule;

- An opening 31, formed in the main wall 25, provided for the passage of the capsule;

- A shim 33, integral with the wall 25, provided to lock the capsule after it has passed through the opening 31.

The main wall 25 has a generally rectangular shape. The two slides 29 are formed on a first major face 35 of the main wall 25, the shim 33 being carried by a second large face 37 of the main wall opposite the first.

The two slides 29 are formed along two opposite longitudinal edges of the wall 25. The flange 27 is formed along one of the two transverse edges of the wall 25.

The two slides 29 are parallel to each other. They are open to each other. They are both open at a first longitudinal end 39, on the side of the flange 27.

On the other hand, the two slides 29 are closed longitudinally away from the ends 39. More specifically, they comprise reliefs 41 for locking the flange, designed to lock the capsule 3 in the intermediate position. As shown in Figure 5, each blocking relief 41 is constituted by a bottom area 42 of the slide. In the zone 41, the bottom 42 is raised gradually, so that the depth of the slide is reduced. The depth of the slide means the dimension of this slide in the transverse direction. Areas 41 of the two slides face each other. Thus, in the areas 41, the funds 42 of the two slides are closer to one another, the spacing between the funds 42 being reduced. At the ends 39, the spacing between the bottoms 42 of the two slides is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the collar of the capsule. In the areas 41, the spacing between the bottoms 42 of the two slides is reduced, and becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the collar. The capsule is blocked in its movement along the slides.

Preferably, the zones 41 of the bottom are curved, with a radius of curvature substantially corresponding to the radius of curvature of the flange.

Alternatively, as illustrated for example in Figures 6 and 7, the slides 29 are closed longitudinally at their ends opposite the ends 39 by a wall 43 substantially perpendicular to the bottom.

The opening 31 is substantially circular. It is arranged between the two slides 29. It is delimited by a closed edge towards the two slides 29 and towards the flange 27. On the other hand, the opening extends longitudinally opposite the rim 27 by an open extension 44, which passage 44 opening at the transverse edge of the wall 25 opposite the flange 27.

The opening 31 has an internal diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the collar 1 January.

The locking reliefs and the opening are arranged so that, when the capsule is in the intermediate position, the capsule 3 is exactly in front of the opening 31. More precisely, the center of the opening 31 is on the X axis of the capsule. The shim 33 has an annular shape, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 5. It delimits internally a circular light 45, of smaller diameter than the diameter of the opening 31. When the capsule 3 is in its intermediate position, the X axis passes through both the center of the opening 31 and the center of the light 45. The X axis is then substantially perpendicular to the wall 25.

The wedge 33 has, facing the opening 31, an annular bearing surface 47, turned towards the opening 31, and intended to serve as a stop for the capsule 3 after the latter has passed through the opening 31.

This annular range 47 surrounds the light 45.

Furthermore, the wedge 33 is secured to the wall 25 by a material bridge 49. The material bridge 49 extends over approximately half of the periphery of this wedge. It is connected to half of the wedge turned towards the edge 27. It adjoins the annular portion 47.

As shown in Figure 4, the shim 33 is substantially parallel to the wall 25. The shim 33 is slightly spaced from this wall. Thus, the wall 25 and the wedge 33 define between them a gap 51. This gap is closed towards the flange 27 by the material bridge 49 and is open opposite the flange 27.

The thickness of the gap 51, taken perpendicular to the plane of the wall 25, is slightly greater than the thickness of the collar January 1.

The use of the adapter described above will now be detailed.

The user first places the adapter 23 in the loading shaft 13 of the machine. It has this adapter so that the wall 25 and the slides 29 are in a substantially vertical plane, substantially parallel to the grid 19. The adapter 23 is locked in position relative to the machine 1 by the flange 27 coming from support on the outer casing of the machine. In this position illustrated in FIG. 1, an annular face 53 of the shim 33 bears against the grid 19.

As visible in Figure 2, the longitudinal edges of the wall 25, including the slides 29, are introduced into the slides 55 integrated in the machine.

Alternatively, as shown in phantom in Figure 6, the wall 25 and the rails 29 are disposed outside the rails 55 of the machine.

This operation is performed when the moving part 17 of the machine is in the open position.

Once the adapter in position, the user introduces a capsule in the slides 29 of the adapter. For this, it engages two diametrically opposed zones of the collar 1 1 inside the two slides 29. It then releases the capsule, the latter descending by gravity along the rails 29 to the intermediate position. This intermediate position is illustrated in Figure 1. The capsule 3 is locked in the intermediate position by the zones 41 of the bottom of the slides. In this intermediate position, the capsule 3 is substantially at the same height as in its extraction position. The height corresponds to the vertical direction in Figure 1. Because the thickness of the groove of the slideways substantially corresponds to the thickness of the collar, the capsule is held by the slideways 29 in an orientation where the flange January 1 is in a substantially vertical plane. The central axis X of the capsule, in the intermediate position, is substantially perpendicular to the main wall 25 and to the grid 19. This axis X passes through the center of the opening 31 and the center of the light 45.

The capsule is prevented from tilting through the opening 31 because the outer diameter of the flange 11 is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the opening 31.

Then, the user actuates the means provided to move the movable portion 17 of the machine from its open position to its closed position. The moving part 17 then moves towards the grid 19. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 21 of the movable part has an opening 57 facing the grid 19, delimited by a free edge 59. The mobile part 17 comes on adapt around the capsule 3 in the intermediate position, the bottom 7 of the capsule penetrating into the housing through the opening 57. The free edge 59 is worn during this movement against the flange 1 January. The moving part pushes the capsule through the opening 31 of the adapter. Under the effect of this bias, the collar 1 1 deforms and the capsule can cross the opening 31. The movement of the capsule is stopped when this capsule abuts against the annular bearing 47 of the wedge 33. The outer diameter of the movable part 17 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 31, so that the movable part 17 can also engage through the opening 31. The movable portion 17 then pinches the collar 1 1 of the capsule 3 against the wedge 33. The capsule is then in the extraction position.

The displacement of the capsule from its intermediate position to its extraction position is a translation. This translation takes place in a direction substantially perpendicular to the grid 19. This direction also corresponds to the central axis X of the capsule in the intermediate position.

It should be noted that the wedge 33 also seals between the exit zone of the capsule, located on the front face 9, and the grid 19.

After extraction of the capsule by a fluid supplied by the machine, the user moves the mobile part 17 of the machine from its closed position to its open position, in a reverse movement of the closing movement. The capsule 3 remains in place at the extraction position at first. Once the bottom 7 of the capsule is no longer engaged in the housing 21, the capsule 3 is free to fall into the receiving tray provided for this purpose in the machine. The flange 1 1 slides along the gap 51, downwards. The peripheral wall 5 of the capsule, which is engaged through the opening 31 in the extraction position, leaves the opening 31 by the extension 44 of this opening. This extension is oriented downwards.

A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 5. Only the points by which this second embodiment differs from the first will be detailed below. The identical elements or ensuring the same function in the two embodiments will be designated by the same references.

In the second embodiment, the adapter has no shim 33. Thus, once the adapter 23 in place in the loading shaft of the machine, the large face 37 of the wall 25 of the adapter is arranged parallel to the grid 19 and is slightly spaced from this grid 19.

When the capsule 3 is in its intermediate position and the user moves the mobile part 17 of the machine from the open position to the closed position, the movement of the capsule 3 is stopped when the front face 9 comes to bear directly against the gate 19. The extraction position of the capsule is in this second embodiment slightly different from that of the first embodiment.

A third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 7. Only the points by which the third embodiment differs from the second will be detailed below.

The identical elements or ensuring the same function in the second and the third embodiment will be designated by the same references.

The adapter shown in Figure 7 is not intended to be permanently mounted in the loading well of the machine. On the contrary, with this embodiment of the adapter, the capsule is loaded into the adapter outside the machine, and then the adapter and the capsule are lowered together into the loading shaft of the machine. The correct positioning of the adapter in the loading well of the machine makes it possible to place the capsule in its intermediate position.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the slides 29 are shortened. It is not necessary that they extend over the entire longitudinal length of the adapter since the load is not gravity. The slides 29 extend longitudinally over a length slightly less than the diameter of the opening. Their function is only to hold the capsule in the intermediate position. They are arranged on both sides of the opening.

The evacuation of the capsule after extraction is gravity, as for the adapter of Figure 6.

After extraction and return of the movable part of the machine from its closed position to its open position, the capsule falls into the collection tray used capsules, by gravity.

A fourth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 8. Only the points by which the fourth embodiment differs from the third will be detailed below. The identical elements or ensuring the same function in the two embodiments will be designated by the same references.

In this fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the adapter is not intended to be permanently fixed in the loading shaft of the machine. Again, the capsule is put into place in the adapter on the outside of the machine, and the adapter and the capsule are put together in the loading well of the machine.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the opening provided for the passage of the capsule 31, is closed over its entire periphery. The wall therefore does not have an open extension 44 for discharging the capsule by gravity after use. Thus, after extraction, and displacement of the movable part to its open position, the capsule remains in place in the opening. It is extracted from the machine with the adapter from above.

A fifth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 9. Only the points by which the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment will be detailed below. The identical elements or ensuring the same function in the two embodiments will be designated by the same references.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the adapter has no main wall 25. The two rails 29 are thus completely independent of one another. They are not linked to each other by an element belonging to the adapter. Each of them includes a rim 27 of its own. The flange 27 is provided to bear on the outer casing of the machine. The slide 29 is then in a vertical position. The slides 29 are placed independently of one another in the machine, in the same position as in the first two embodiments. They then define between them the opening 31 for passage of the capsule.

A sixth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Only the points by which the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment will be detailed below. The identical elements or ensuring the same function in the two embodiments will be designated by the same references.

As shown in Figure 10, the adapter comprises two bars 61, completely independent of one another. Alternatively, the bars are connected to each other by a bridge of material. Each bar 61 is a section of constant section, rectangular. Each bar 61 is delimited by two large flat faces 63, 65 opposite one another and by two small flat faces 67, 69 opposite to each other. Each bar 61 carries a flange 27 at an upper end 73.

As seen in Figure 12, the two bars 61 are arranged in the slides 55 of the machine. More specifically, the two loading rails 55 of the machine each delimit a vertical groove 75, open towards each other. These grooves 75 have a thickness determined in the direction D. The direction D corresponds to the orientation of the central axis X of the capsule when the latter is in the extraction position. It is substantially perpendicular to the grid 19.

The bars 59 are arranged in the slides 55 of the machine so as to reduce the free thickness of the grooves, available for the passage of the collar of the capsule. The large face 65 is pressed against one side of the groove. The large face 63 is disposed vis-à-vis and is spaced from the other side 77 of the groove 75. The passage remaining free for the circulation of the collar of the capsule is therefore delimited on the one hand by the side 77 and on the other hand by the large face 63.

Because of the small thickness separating the side 77 of the large face 63, the flange 11 of the capsule is kept in an orientation close to the vertical as long as the flange 11 is engaged in the slides 55. Its central axis X, which is perpendicular to the collar, is close to the horizontal. It forms an angle of about 10 ° at least with respect to the horizontal.

The adapter of Figures 10 to 12 is intended to be used with a capsule 78 whose flange has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the nominal diameter, as can be seen in Figure 1 1. The nominal diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the flange of the original capsule, intended to be used in the machine without adapter. This original capsule, when loaded gravitarily in the machine, without adapter, stops at an intermediate position shown in FIG. 1 1. The outer edge 79 of the flange then bears against the stops 81 of the machine by two points 83 located in the lower part of the flange. These points 83 are located on radii R forming between them an angle of for example 120 °.

The capsule 78 used with the adapter has for example a collar of external diameter reduced by 4 / ^10th of a millimeter with respect to the original capsule. As shown in Figure 1 1, it stops at an intermediate position lower than the original capsule. The outer edge 79 'of the flange then bears against the stops 81 of the machine by two points on radii R' forming an angle of for example 150 ° between them. The center C of the collar is lower than the center C of the original collar.

The capsule 78 is shown in its intermediate position in FIG. 12, in solid lines in the case where the bars 61 are not arranged in the slides 55 of the machine, and in broken lines in the case where the bars 61 are in place. in the runners 55.

In the absence of the bars 61, the center C is low and the central axis X of the capsule has a significantly inclined orientation relative to the orientation of the X axis in the extraction position. Thus, the bottom 7 of the capsule is located particularly low. As can be seen in FIG. 12, there is then a significant risk that the moving part 17 of the machine, when it moves from its open position to its closed position, will strike the bottom 7. This can not be achieved. introduce in the opening 57 because it is located too low.

On the contrary, in the presence of the bars 61, the center C is low but the central axis X of the capsule has a weakly or not at all inclined orientation with respect to the orientation of the X axis in the extraction position. The bottom 7 of the capsule is well positioned to enter the opening 57 when the moving part 17 of the machine moves from its open position to its closed position.

Furthermore, the capsule in its intermediate position is located in the vertical direction at the same level as in its extraction position.

Claims

1. - Adapter for loading a capsule in an extraction beverage preparation machine, the machine (1) comprising:

a fixed part (15);

a part (17) movable with respect to the fixed part (15), between an open position in which the capsule (3) can be loaded gravitarily in the machine (1) and a closed position in which the fixed and mobile parts ( 15, 17) hold the capsule (3) in an extraction position in which a drink is capable of being prepared by extraction of the capsule (3), the capsule (3) in the extraction position being located at a first height determined in the vertical direction and having a central axis (X) having a determined orientation;

- A device (13) for introducing the capsule gravitarily into the machine; the adapter (23) being shaped to be arranged in the device (13) for introducing the machine (1) and for enabling the capsule (3) to be loaded in an intermediate position in the vertical direction at a second height up to between the first height minus 2 mm on the one hand and the first height plus 2 mm on the other hand and / or in which the central axis (X) of the capsule forms an angle less than 15 ° with respect to the orientation determined.

2. - Adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the adapter (13) is shaped to allow a loading of the capsule (3) gravitarily in the intermediate position.

3. - Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adapter (3) comprises two slides (29) provided to cooperate with a flange (1 1) of the capsule (3), and reliefs (41) for locking the flange (1 1) in the slides (29) at the intermediate position of the capsule (3).

4. - Adapter according to claim 3, characterized in that the adapter (3) comprises an opening (31) between the two slides (29), provided for the passage of the capsule (3), facing the intermediate position .

5. - Adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (31) has a shape adapted to retain the capsule (3) in the intermediate position and to let the capsule (3) by deformation of the collar (1 1 ) by the movement of the movable part (17) from its open position to its closed position.

6. - Adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the opening (31) has a shape adapted to retain the capsule (3) in the intermediate position and to let the capsule (3) by elastic deformation of the adapter ( 23) under the effect of the displacement of the movable part (15) from its open position to its closed position.

7. - Adapter according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the slides (29) are open in a first direction, the opening (31) being open in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. - Adapter according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a wall (25) in which is formed the opening (31), the slides

(29) being formed on a first face (35) of the wall (25), the adapter (23) comprising a shim (33) on a second face (37) of the wall (25) opposite to the first face ( 35), facing the opening (31), to block the capsule (3) after passing through the opening (31).

9. An adapter according to claim 8, characterized in that the wall (25) and the shim (33) define between them a groove (51), the slides (29) being open in a first direction to allow the loading of the capsule (3), the groove (51) being open in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the evacuation of the capsule (3) after extraction.

10. An adapter according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the slides (29) are completely free relative to each other.

1 1 .- An assembly comprising a machine (1) for the beverage preparation by extraction of a capsule (3) and an adapter (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, the machine comprising:

a fixed part (15);

a movable part (17) with respect to the fixed part (15), between an open position in which the capsule (3) can be gravitarily loaded into the machine (1) and a closed position in which the fixed and mobile parts ( 15, 17) hold the capsule (3) in an extraction position in which a drink is capable of being prepared by extraction of the capsule (3), the capsule (3) in the extraction position being located at a first height determined in the vertical direction and having a central axis (X) having a determined orientation;

a device (13) for introducing the capsule (3) gravitarily into the machine

(1) - 12.- assembly according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the extraction position of the capsule (3) is deduced from the intermediate position by a translation in a specific direction, preferably horizontal.

13.- assembly according to any one of claims 1 1 to 12, characterized in that the machine (1) is adapted for the movable part (17) moves the capsule (3) from the intermediate position to the position of extraction.

14. - assembly according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that the adapter (23) comprises two slides (29) provided to cooperate with a collar (1 1) of the capsule (3), blocking reliefs (41) of the flange (1 1) in the slides (29) at the intermediate position of the capsule (3), and an opening (31) between the two slides (29), provided for the passage of the capsule (3), facing the intermediate position, the opening (31) being adapted to let the moving part (17) moving from its open position to its closed position.

15. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that the machine (1) comprises two loading rails each having a groove of predetermined thickness in the determined orientation, the adapter comprising two bars arranged in both grooves to reduce the thickness of the groove.

16. - A method of loading a capsule into an assembly according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15, the method comprising the following steps:

- put the adapter (23) into the machine (1),

- load a capsule (3) gravitarily in the adapter (23) to the intermediate position;

- Pass the movable part (17) from the open position to the closed position, the movable part (17) driving the capsule (3) from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

17. - An assembly comprising an assembly according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15, and a capsule (3) adapted to be loaded into the machine (1) by the adapter (23).

18. - An assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the machine is intended to operate with capsules having a collar of a given nominal diameter, the capsule of the assembly having a collar of outer diameter less than 1/1 o ^eme mm at 3 mm to said determined diameter.