FR3116046A1 - Device for filling a container such as a capsule, in particular a capsule for a coffee machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling device (1) of a container (2) for the preparation of a drink, the filling device (1) comprising: a base (10) having a support (100) for a container (2); a reservoir (12); the filling device (1) comprising a passage between the tank (12) and the base (10) and a closure mechanism allowing the passage to be closed, the closure mechanism comprising a control member (160) allowing a user to control the opening of the passage so that part of the contents of the tank (12) can flow through the passage towards the support (100) of the base (10). Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Device for filling a container such as a capsule, in particular a capsule for a coffee machine

The invention relates to the field of accessories for the preparation of beverages from a preparation base in the form of powder or granules. The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of the preparation of hot drinks by means of machines using pre-filled capsules, such as coffee machines using coffee capsules.

The preparation of beverages such as coffee using machines using pre-filled capsules represents a considerable market. Thus, the number of coffee capsules sold worldwide each year amounts to several billion. We know that a large proportion of these capsules are made of an aluminum alloy, and that, even if recycling channels have been set up, the proportion of aluminum capsules actually recycled remains very low. The consumption of beverages made from capsules therefore generates a considerable amount of waste. In addition, the manufacture and recycling of aluminum capsules involve processes that consume a lot of energy and raw materials.

In order to remedy this problem, reusable capsules and single-use capsules made of materials with a low ecological footprint have been put on the market. Such capsules allow a user to fill capsules himself with the coffee of his choice, and thus buy this coffee in large capacity containers, which are necessarily more ecological. Reusable capsules and refillable single-use capsules, however, have the disadvantage of being impractical: their small dimensions make them difficult to fill without pouring coffee out of the capsule. It is more difficult to fill these capsules efficiently and quickly because the filling operation requires a lot of meticulousness on the part of the user. Furthermore, such capsules must, before use in a machine, be closed, generally by means of a self-adhesive lid which adheres to a flange present on the capsule. However, this collar is generally soiled by coffee during the filling operation, which then causes poor adhesion of the lid.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks set out above, by proposing a device for filling a container which can serve as a storage tank for a base for preparing a drink in the form of powder or granules, and which makes it possible to fill a capsule efficiently and quickly.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for filling a container for the preparation of a drink, the filling device comprising:

• a base comprising a support for a container;
• a reservoir ;

the filling device comprising a passage between the reservoir and the base and a closure mechanism allowing the passage to be closed, the closure mechanism comprising a control member allowing a user to control the opening of the passage so that part of the tank contents can flow through the passage to the base support.

Thus, the filling device according to the invention allows a user to very simply and very easily fill a container, such as a capsule for a coffee machine, with a preparation base in the form of powder or granules. The manipulations necessary for filling only take a few seconds and make it possible to avoid pouring coffee (or any other base for the preparation of a drink contained in the reservoir) outside the capsule. In addition, the filling device makes it possible to fulfill both the storage function and the filling function of a container. In addition, in an advantageous embodiment, the filling device can be configured so that the user can only control the opening of the passage if a container has previously been placed in the support.

In one embodiment, the closure mechanism comprises at least one closure element movable between a closed position of the passage and an open position of the passage, the closure element or elements being driven in movement by the member control.

In one embodiment, the control member is rotatable relative to the reservoir, between a closed position and a filling position.

In one embodiment, the control member is movable between a closed position, in which the passage is closed off by means of the closure element, and a filling position in which the passage is free.

In one embodiment, the control member is rotatable relative to the tank.

In one embodiment, the filling device comprises a movable closure element in rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the control member.

In one embodiment, the closure element is driven in movement by the control member only if a container is placed in the support.

In one embodiment, the base is integral in rotation with the control member, the movable element being driven in rotation by the control member via the base and the support.

In one embodiment, the support and the passage are arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the control member and of the base.

In one embodiment, the closure element has an opening off-center relative to the axis of rotation of the closure element, so that in the open position of the closure element, the passage and the opening coincide and are at right angles to the support.

In one embodiment, the closure element comprises a hooking device configured to follow the rotational movement of a container placed in the support, so as to render the closure element, the container and the support integral in rotation.

In one embodiment, the hooking device comprises a cavity configured to receive part of a container and/or comprises a protruding element intended to be at least partially inserted into a container.

In one embodiment, the attachment device comprises a tubular element of rotationally symmetrical shape about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the closure element, the tubular element being intended to come into contact with an edge interior of a container placed in the support.

In one embodiment, the attachment device comprises a cavity of at least partially circular shape, configured to receive a collar formed at an upper end of a container.

In one embodiment, the closure element is rotatably mounted on a guide member fixed relative to the reservoir, the guide member having an opening coinciding with the passage.

In one embodiment, the opening of the guide member is eccentric.

In one embodiment, the guide member comprises a projecting element forming a stopper for the closure element in the open position and a stopper for the closure element in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the filling device comprises two closure elements arranged in opposition, each closure element being guided in translation by a drive member, the closure elements being driven from their closed position to their open position, and conversely, by a guide member.

In one embodiment, the drive member is fixed relative to the reservoir, the guide member being integral with the control member and rotatable relative to the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the drive member is integral with the control member and rotatable relative to the reservoir, the guide member being fixed relative to the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the guide member comprises at least two first cams cooperating with a respective first follower element of the corresponding closure element.

In one embodiment, the guide member comprises two second cams each cooperating respectively with a second follower element of the corresponding closure element.

In one embodiment, the guide member is fixed to a bottom of the tank.

In one embodiment, the guide member is fixed to the bottom of the tank through at least one through groove made in the drive member.

In one embodiment, the base is rotatable relative to the reservoir, between an open configuration and a closed configuration of the filling device, the open configuration of the filling device allowing the insertion and extraction of a container.

In one embodiment, the guide member comprises a skirt configured so that its free end overhangs the base when the filling device is in an open configuration.

In one embodiment, the filling device comprises a system for locking the base on the tank.

In one embodiment, the guide member comprises a skirt, the skirt comprising a part forming a hook configured to engage a retaining element of the base when the control member is in the filling position.

In one embodiment, the passage is formed by an opening made in the bottom of the tank.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a pouring guide configured to be placed in line with an inner edge of a container placed in the support when the filling device is in the closed configuration.

In one embodiment, the filling device comprises a system for holding the base and the reservoir in the closed configuration, the holding system comprising for example two magnets arranged facing each other, a first magnet being integral with the tank, the second magnet being secured to the base.

In one embodiment, the control member is movable in translation relative to the tank.

In one embodiment, the shutter mechanism comprises an elastic return device urging the control member towards its closed position and/or the closing element(s) towards their closed position.

In one embodiment, the tank includes a cover.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

There is a side view of a filling device according to the invention.

There is a partial cross-sectional view of the filling device of the , in an open configuration.

There is a view of the filling device of the in an intermediate position between a closed configuration and the open configuration.

There is a sectional view, in plane AA of the , the base and part of the tank, the closure mechanism being in a closed configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a perspective cross-sectional view of the base and a reservoir portion of the filling device of the , the shutter mechanism being in a closed configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to plane AA of the , the base and part of the tank, the closure mechanism being in a closed configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a perspective view of the base of the filling device.

There is an underside of the shutter mechanism in a fill configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a closed configuration

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in an intermediate configuration between the closing and filling configurations.

There is a perspective view of a movable closure member.

There is a perspective view of the shutter mechanism drive member.

There is a view from below of the drive member of the .

There is a perspective view of the shutter mechanism guide member.

There is a bottom view of the guide member of the .

There is a bottom view of a shutter mechanism in which the closure elements have a single follower element, the shutter mechanism in a closure configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in an intermediate configuration between the closing and filling configurations.

There is a partial cross-sectional view of a filling device according to the invention, comprising a rotationally mobile closing element, the filling device comprising a capsule inserted into the container support.

There is a perspective sectional view of the filling device of the , the shutter mechanism being in a closed configuration.

There is a view of the device for filling the , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a perspective sectional view of the device of the , the shutter mechanism being in a filling configuration.

There is a view analogous to that of , the filling device being in a closed configuration.

There is a perspective view of the guide member of the filling device of the .

There is a perspective view of the closure member of the filling device of the .

There is a perspective view of the guide member of the and the closing element of the assembled with the control member, the closure element being in the closed position.

There is a view analogous to , the closure member being in an open position.

There is a view of a closure mechanism in which the control member comprises a lever, the closure mechanism being in an intermediate configuration between the closing and filling configurations.

There is a view analogous to , the shutter mechanism being in a closed configuration.

There is a partial view of a filling device according to the invention in which the closure mechanism comprises a control member movable in translation.

Figures 1 to 18 show different views of a filling device 1 according to the invention, making it possible to fill a container such as a capsule with a base for preparing a drink. The filling device 1 has in the example a generally symmetrical shape of revolution, and more particularly a generally cylindrical shape. The filling device 1 comprises at a lower end a base 10 allowing the filling device 1 to be placed on a flat surface, the base 10 being surmounted by a reservoir 12. The filling device 1 comprises at an upper end a cover 14 closing the tank 12 to allow filling of the tank. The cover 14 is integral with the tank 12, being for example hinged on the latter, or removable, being for example screwed or clipped on the tank 12.

The base 10 is movable relative to the reservoir 12, between a position corresponding to a closed configuration of the filling device 1, visible on the , and an open configuration of the filling device 1, visible on the . In the example of the figures, the base 10 is articulated on the tank 12, for example by means of hinges (not shown), so that the passage from one configuration to the other is carried out by rotation of the tank 12 relative to base 10. The partially shows the filling device 1 in an intermediate configuration between the closed and open configurations. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the base 10 to be removable, the passage from the closed configuration to the open configuration of the filling device 1 taking place by separating the base 10 and the reservoir 12.

As shown on the , the open configuration of the filling device 1 allows the insertion (and extraction) of a container such as a capsule 2 for a coffee machine. To this end, the base 10, which in the example has a generally symmetrical shape of revolution, has in its center a support 100 forming a housing for a capsule 2. The support 100 forms a projection extending from a bottom 102 of the base 10. The support 100 has in the example a generally frustoconical shape to be adapted to containers having a generally frustoconical shape. The shape of the support 100 can of course be adapted to other types of containers, for example capsules having a generally hemispherical shape.

The filling device 1 comprises a shutter mechanism 16 interposed between the base 10 and the reservoir 12, and more precisely between the bottom 120 of the reservoir and the base 10. The shutter mechanism 16, visible in particular in FIGS. 9, comprises a control member 160 and at least one movable closure element 162, in the example two sliding closure elements 162. The control device 160 is movable between:

• a closed position (visible in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8), in which the closing element or elements 162 obstruct a passage between the tank 12 and the base 10 formed by an opening 122 formed in the bottom 120 of the tank 12; And
• a filling position (visible in Figures 5, 7 and 9), in which the closure element(s) 162 release this opening 122.

Thus, when the control member 160 is in the filling position, the contents of the reservoir 12 (such as ground coffee) can flow freely, through the opening 122, towards the base 10. The opening 122 is arranged in line with the support 100, so that the content flowing from the reservoir 12 fills a capsule 2 previously placed in the support 100. When the control member 160 is in the closed position, then the opening 122 is blocked, and the contents of the reservoir 12 cannot flow through this passage. The configuration of the filling device 1 makes it very simple to use. All a user has to do is perform the following operations:

• insert an empty container, such as a capsule 2, into the support 100, after having placed the filling device 1 in the open configuration;
• placing the filling device in the closed configuration;
• actuate the control member 160 to bring it to its filling position;
• apply a few jerks to the filling device and/or rolling movements;
• actuate the control member 160 again to bring it back to its closed position;
• placing the filling device in the open configuration;
• extract the filled capsule 2, optionally after having previously applied a lid.

All of these manipulations only take a few seconds.

In the examples of Figures 1 to 18, the control member 160 is a rotary control member: this member is brought from its closed position to its filling position, and vice versa, by a rotational movement. In the example, the control member 160 is a rotating ring, rotatably mounted on the tank 12, and inserted between the bottom 120 of the tank 12 and the base 10. The control member 160 is secured to a member 164, this member also being rotatable relative to the reservoir 12. The drive member 164 is configured to transmit the rotational movement of the control member to the closure elements 162. The closure elements 162 are movable in translation relative to the drive member 164. For this purpose, the drive member comprises a groove 164a (visible more particularly in Figures 15 and 16), in the example a non-through groove, within which the closure elements 162 are at least partially inserted. The groove 164a of the drive member 164 is shaped so that a rotational movement of the control member 160 drives the closure elements 162 in rotation, via the drive member 164. In the example of the figures, the groove 164a is elongated along a diametral axis of the drive member 164. In the example of Figures 1 to 18, the control member 160 and the drive member 164 form a unique piece.

The shutter mechanism 16 includes a guide member 166 for the closure elements 162. In the example, the shutter mechanism is configured such that the closure elements 162 are interposed between the drive member 164 of the side of the tank 12, and the guide member 166 on the side of the base 10. The guide member 166 is secured to the tank 12 and fixed relative to the latter. It will be noted that an inverse configuration is possible, in which the guide member 166 is rotatable relative to the reservoir 12, the drive member 164 then being fixed. As seen in Figures 15 to 18, the guide member 166 and the drive member 164 each have a central opening 166a, 164b, these openings being arranged so as to be in line with the opening 122 provided in the tank bottom 12.

The guide member 166 serves to guide the closure elements 162 in order to transform the rotational movement transmitted by the drive member 164 into a translational movement along an axis parallel to the axis of elongation of the groove 164a . To this end, the guide member 166 comprises, for each closure element 162, at least one groove 166b, 166c forming at least one cam 166d, 166e configured to cooperate with at least one follower element 162a, 162b secured to the corresponding closure element 162. In the example, each follower element is formed by a pin 162a, 162b. In the example of Figures 1 to 18, the guide member 166 comprises two first grooves 166b, each delimiting a first cam 166d, and two second grooves 166c each delimiting a second cam 166e. Each of the two closure elements 162 has a first pin 162a and a second pin 162b. For each closure element 162, the first and second lugs 162a, 162b are configured to respectively follow the first and second cams 166d, 166e of the corresponding first and second grooves 166b, 166c. Preferably, the closure elements 162 are configured so that each first lug 162a engages the corresponding first cam 166d in one direction of rotation of the control member 160, and each second lug 162b engages the second cam 166e in the direction of rotation. reverse rotation. Thus, each closure element 162 is driven by the corresponding first cam 166d in one direction of rotation of the control member 160, and by the corresponding second cam 166e in the opposite direction of rotation. Such a configuration makes it possible to apply each lug 162a, 162b in a differentiated manner according to the direction of rotation (opening and closing movement), and thus to avoid any jamming of the mechanism.

The guide member 166 is in the example fixed to the bottom 120 of the tank, by means of two fixing holes 166f. The fixing holes 166f make it possible to fix the guide member 166 to the bottom 120 by means of two connecting elements 124 (such as fixing pins) passing through two through grooves 164c made in the drive member 164 The shape and dimensions of the through grooves 164c are provided to allow the relative movement of the drive member 164 and the guide member 166, with the necessary amplitude.

Advantageously, as visible in particular on the , the guide member 166 comprises a skirt 166g forming a projection in the direction of the bottom 102 of the base 10 (when the filling device is in the closed configuration, see in particular FIGS. 4 to 9). The dimension of the skirt 166g is chosen to allow its free end to be located directly above the bottom 102 of the base 10 when the filling device 1 is in the open configuration, as shown in the . Such a configuration makes it possible to avoid, after a certain number of uses, that part of the contents of the tank 12 having been deposited at the level of the guide member cannot be poured out of the base 10 when the device filler 1 is in open configuration.

Advantageously, the filling device 1 comprises a system for locking the base 10 on the reservoir 12, making it possible to secure the filling device in the closed configuration and thus prevent its opening during manipulations thereof for filling a capsule. . In the example, the locking system is formed by the free end of the skirt 166g. The free end of the skirt 166g has a part forming a hook 166h, this part being configured to cooperate by form engagement with a retaining element 104 integral with the base 10. As visible in FIGS. 17 and 18, the skirt 166g is interrupted over part of its periphery, so as to form a cutout 166i. The position and size of the cutout 166i are provided so that the cutout 166i faces the retaining element 104 when the control member 160 is in the closed position, and so that the skirt 166g faces the retaining element 104 when the control member 160 is in the filling position. In this way, the part of the skirt forming a hook 166h engages the retaining element 104 when the control member 160 is in the filling position (cf. ), and does not engage the retaining element 104 when the control member 160 is in the closed position (cf. ).

Advantageously, the shutter mechanism 16 comprises a pouring guide configured to be arranged in line with an inner edge 20a of the capsule 2 when the filling device 1 is in the closed configuration, thus preventing the contents of the reservoir 12 from being able to pour onto the collar 20 of a capsule 2 arranged in the base 10. In the example, the pouring guide is an annular portion 166j integral with the guide member 166. The annular portion 166j is configured to be close to of the inner edge 20a of the collar 20 of the capsule, preferably lower than this inner edge 20a.

Advantageously, the filling device 1 comprises a holding system in the closed position, this holding system making it possible to hold the reservoir 12 and the base 10 in the closed position. In the example, the holding system comprises two housings 164d, 106 each intended to receive a magnet (magnets not shown). The first housing 164d is formed in the drive member 164 (and is therefore integral with the reservoir 12), the second housing 106 being integral with the base 10. In the example the second housing 106 is formed in the element of retainer 104 of the base 10. Alternatively, the system for maintaining the closed position may consist of a clipping system comprising a female clipping element and a male clipping element.

Figures 19 to 21 show a second embodiment of the shutter mechanism, in which each closure element 162 comprises a single follower element 162a.

FIGS. 22 to 30 illustrate a third embodiment of the closure mechanism 16, in which the closure mechanism comprises a closure element 162 movable in rotation relative to the passage 122 of the reservoir 12. To this end, the element closure 162 is rotatably mounted on the guide member 166 (the latter being fixed relative to the tank 12), and is movable between a closed position of the passage 122, and an open position of the passage 122.

In its closed position, visible in particular in Figures 23, 26 and 29, the closure element 162 obstructs the passage 122.

In its open position, visible in particular in Figures 24, 25 and 30, the closure element releases the passage 122. For this purpose, the closure element comprises an opening 162d off-center with respect to its axis of rotation, this axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the control member 160. In the open position of the closure element, the opening 162d coincides with an eccentric opening 166a of the guide member, the opening 166a being arranged in line with passage 122, which is also off-centre. In addition, the container support 100 is also eccentric. The eccentricity value of the eccentric elements mentioned below is identical, so that in the open position of the closure element 162, the passage 122, the opening 166a of the guide member 166, the opening 162d of the movable element 162 and the passage 122 coincide and are thus arranged in line with the support 100, and therefore in line with a container 2 inserted in the support 100, as visible on the and on the .

Advantageously, the closure element 162 is configured to be driven in rotation only if a suitable container, such as a capsule 2, is in the support 100. Thus, in the absence of such a container, the closure element will not be driven in rotation by the control member 160. To this end, the closure element 162 comprises a hooking device 162e, 162f configured to follow the rotational movement of a container placed in the support 100. In the example, the attachment device is double: it comprises a first part forming a projecting element 162e configured to be inserted into a container 2 placed in the support 100, and a second part forming a cavity 162f intended to receive an upper end of a container, in the example the flange 20 of the capsule 2. In the example, the first part of the attachment device is a tubular element 162e of symmetrical shape of revolution around a axis parallel to the axis of rotation ion of the closure element 162. This tubular element is close to the inner edge 20a of the flange 20 of the capsule 2, at a level lower than this inner edge 20a, when a capsule 2 is inserted into the support 100 and that the filling device 1 is in the closed configuration. The second part of the attachment device is formed by a groove formed in the closure element, a portion of the groove forming a circular cavity 162f and receiving the collar 20 of the capsule 2 when the filling device 1 is in the closed configuration. . Thus, the capsule 2 is in engagement with the attachment device 162e, 162f so that a rotational movement of the base 10 causes the capsule 2 in its movement, via the support 100. The capsule 2 causes then the closure element 162 in rotation, via the hooking device 162e, 162f. A rotational movement of the control member 160 generated by a user will therefore indirectly cause a rotational movement of the closure element 162. Of course, the attachment device may comprise only the first part ( projecting element 162e) or the second part (cavity 162f).

When the support 100 does not contain any container, a rotational movement of the control member 160 will cause the base 10 and therefore the support 100, but will not cause any movement of the closure element 162, the latter not being not kinematically connected to the support 100 in the absence of a capsule 2. Thus, as visible on the , the rotation of the control member 160 will rotate the base 10 and the support 100 without however freeing the passage 122.

The closure element 162 movable in rotation therefore makes it possible to obtain a closure mechanism 16 which cannot pass into the filling configuration in the absence of a container in the support 100. It is understood that the interest of a such an embodiment is to prevent rotational movements of the control member 160 made by a user from being able to lead to the opening of the passage 122 and therefore to the pouring of coffee towards the base 10 as long as a container n 'has not been inserted into the support 100. In addition, by being inserted within the capsule 2, the tubular element forming the hooking device also plays the role of a pouring guide, preventing the contents of the reservoir 12 can flow onto the flange 20 of the capsule 2, which will facilitate the adhesion of the closing lid during the installation of the latter.

Advantageously, the guide member 166 comprises an abutment element 166k, forming a projection from a lower face 166l of the guide member against which the closure element 162 is arranged. As visible in FIGS. 29 and 30, the the abutment element 166k forms a stopper for the closure element, and this for each of the opening and closing positions of the latter.

Advantageously, in order to limit the friction between the guide member 166 and the closure element 162, the guide member 166 comprises, on its lower face 166l at least support element 166m in relief, in the example of annular shape. The guide member 166 also includes a second support element 166n in relief, also annular in shape but inscribed in a smaller diameter.

In the example of Figures 22 to 30, the closure element 162 has a central fixing hole 162g, for the passage of a fixing element such as a screw. In order to allow the fixing of the closure element 162, the guide member 166 also comprises a central fixing hole 166o. Furthermore, the guide member 166 comprises two fixing holes 166p making it possible to fix the guide member to the bottom 120 of the tank 12, for example by means of screws (not shown). The control member 160 comprises an annular portion 160c interposed between the bottom 120 of the reservoir and the guide member 166. The annular portion 160c thus being sandwiched, the control member 160 is mounted to rotate on the guide member 166.

As with the previous embodiments, the guide member 166 comprises a skirt 166g having characteristics similar to those described above.

As with the previous embodiments, the filling device 1 of FIGS. 22 to 30 includes a system for locking the base 10 on the reservoir 12 as described above.

As with the previous embodiments, the filling device 1 of FIGS. 22 to 30 comprises a holding system in the closed configuration, this holding system making it possible to hold the reservoir 12 and the base 10 in the closed configuration. In the example, the holding system comprises two housings 160d, 106 each intended to receive a magnet (magnets not shown). The first housing 160d is formed in a protrusion 160e of the control member 160 (and is therefore integral with the reservoir 12), the second housing 106 being integral with the base 10 (the second housing 106, identical to that previously described, does not is not visible in Figures 22 to 30). In the example, the second housing 106 is formed in the retaining element 104 of the base 10. As mentioned above, the system for holding in the closed position can consist of a clipping system comprising a female clipping element and a male clipping element.

Advantageously, the filling device 1 of FIGS. 22 to 30 comprises two stoppers, each stopper making it possible to stop the rotational movement of the control member 160, respectively in the filling position and in the closed position. In the example, these two stops are produced by cooperation between the protrusion 160e containing the housing 160d integral with the control member 160 and each of the two ends of the skirt 166g delimiting the cutout 166i on the control member. guide 166. Thus, the cutout 166i is shaped so that each of its ends correspond respectively to one of the opening and closing positions of the control member 160 when the protrusion 160e abuts against the corresponding end.

Figures 31 and 32 show a fourth embodiment of the shutter mechanism, in which the control member 160 is in the form of a lever directly urging a closure element 162 movable in rotation. In the example of Figures 31 and 32, a single closure element 162 is provided, shown in the closed position on the and in an intermediate position on the .

There shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the shutter mechanism, in which the control member 160 is in the form of a pusher urging two closure elements 162 movable in translation, via the intermediary (a single closure element being shown on the ). In order to drive the closure elements in translation, the control member 160 comprises two grooves 160a each cooperating with a lug 162a of the corresponding closure element.

Whatever the shape and operation of the control member, an elastic return device can be provided which urges the shutter mechanism towards its closing configuration.

Advantageously, as visible on the , the edge 162c of the closure elements 162 coming into reciprocal contact when the shutter mechanism 16 is in the closed position has a beveled shape. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 4 and 6, this beveled shape promotes complete closing of the opening 122, preventing coffee (or any other element contained in the reservoir 12) from becoming trapped between the two closing elements.

As mentioned above, the base 10 is in the example of the figures articulated on the reservoir 12 by means of hinges. To this end, it is provided on two lugs 108 secured to the base 10 and arranged respectively opposite two lugs 160a secured to the control member 160. The lugs 108, 160a each have a hole 108a, 160b for fixing a hinge end.

The various components of the filling device 1 may be made of any suitable material, for example in a metallic material or a plastic material. One could for example make all or part of the visible components (in particular the tank 12 and the base 10) in a metallic material) and the internal components (in particular the drive member 164, the guide member 166 and the closing elements 162) in a plastic material.

Claims (22)

Device for filling (1) a container (2) for the preparation of a drink, the filling device (1) comprising:

• a base (10) comprising a support (100) for a container (2);
• a tank (12);

the filling device (1) comprising a passage (122) between the reservoir (12) and the base (10) and a closing mechanism (16) making it possible to close the passage (122), the closing mechanism ( 16) comprising a control member (160) allowing a user to control the opening of the passage (122) so that part of the contents of the tank (12) can flow through the passage (122) towards the support (100) of the base (10). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the closing mechanism (16) comprises at least one closing element (162) movable between a closed position of the passage (122) and an open position of the passage (122), the closing element or elements (162) being driven in movement by the control member (160). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the control member (160) is rotatable relative to the tank (12), between a closed position and a filling position. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a closure element (162) rotatable around an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the control member (160). Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the closure element (162) is driven in movement by the control member (160) only if a container (2) is placed in the medium (100). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the base (10) is integral in rotation with the control member (160), the movable element (162) being driven in rotation by the control member ( 160) through the base (10) and the support (100). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the support (100) and the passage (122) are arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the control member (160) and of the base (10). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the closure element (162) comprises an opening (162c) eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the closure element, so that in the position of opening of the closure element (162), the passage (122) and the opening (162c) coincide and are located in line with the support (100). Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, in which the closure element (162) comprises a hooking device (162e, 162f) configured to follow the rotational movement of a container (2 ) arranged in the support (100), so as to make the closure element (162), the container (2) and the support (100) integral in rotation. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the attachment device (162e, 162f) comprises a cavity (162f) configured to receive a part (20) of a container (2) and/or comprises an element projecting (162e) intended to be at least partially inserted into a container (2). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claims, in which the attachment device comprises a tubular element (162e) of symmetrical shape of revolution about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the closure element, the the tubular element (162e) being intended to come into contact with an inner edge (20a) of a container (2) arranged in the support (100). Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 10 and 11, in which the attachment device comprises a cavity (162f) of at least partially circular shape, configured to receive a flange (20) formed at an upper end of a container (2). Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 12, in which the closure element (162) is rotatably mounted on a guide member (166) fixed relative to the reservoir (12), the member guide (166) having an opening (166a) coinciding with the passage (122). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim combined with one of Claims 7 to 12, in which the opening (166a) of the guide member (166) is eccentric. Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 13 and 14, in which the guide member (166) comprises a projecting element (166k) forming an abutment for the closure element in the position of opening and a stopper for the closure element in the closed position. Filling device (1) according to one of Claims 13 to 15, in which the guide member (166) is fixed to a bottom (120) of the tank. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base (10) is rotatable relative to the reservoir (12), between an open configuration and a closed configuration of the filling device (10), the open configuration of the filling device (10) allowing the insertion and extraction of a container (2). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim combined with one of claims 13 to 16, in which the guide member (166) comprises a skirt (166g) configured so that its free end overhangs the base (10) when the filling device (1) is in an open configuration. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a system for locking the base (10) on the tank (12). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim combined with one of claims 13 to 18, in which the guide member (166) comprises a skirt (166g), the skirt (166g) comprising a part forming a hook ( 166h) configured to engage a retainer (104) of the base (10) when the actuator (160) is in the fill position. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the passage (122) is formed by an opening (122) made in the bottom (120) of the tank (12). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a system for holding the base (10) and the reservoir (12) in the closed configuration, the holding system comprising for example two magnets arranged opposite the one from the other, a first magnet being fixed to the tank (12), the second magnet being fixed to the base (10).