Multisize capsule handling with serial actuation

Abstract

A machine (1) comprises a frame (1) and a capsule handling device (1) mounted in and/or on the frame (1). The device (1) has a first part (10) and a second part (20) that is movable relatively to the frame (1) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa. The second part (20) comprising: a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber (21) with the first part (10); and a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension (21da,21db,21ha,21hb) of the cavity (21) and of the extraction chamber (21). The device (1) further comprises an actuator (30,300) connected to the second part (20) for driving the movable second part (20) between the transfer position and the extraction position. The actuator (30,300) is further connected to the first and/or second portions (21a,21b) of the second part (20) to relatively move the first and second portions (21a,21b) between their first and second relative positions.

Claims

1. A machine comprising a frame and a capsule handling device configured to handle an capsule and mounted in and/or on the frame, the capsule handling device comprising: a first part; a second part that is movable relative to the frame from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing the capsule to an extraction position for extracting the capsule and vice versa, the second part comprising: a capsule receptacle defining a cavity for receiving the capsule and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber with the first part, and a first portion and a second portion that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension of the cavity and of the extraction chamber; an actuator connected to the second part for driving the second part between the transfer position and the extraction position, the actuator is connected to the first portion and/or the second portion of the second part to relatively move the first portion and the second portion between a first relative position and a second relative position; and a mechanical transmission connecting the actuator to the second part and to the first portion and the second portion of the second part for driving: the second part between the transfer position and the extraction position; and the first portion and/or the second portion of the second part to relatively move the first portion and the second portion between the first relative position and the second relative position.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the mechanical transmission comprises: a primary mechanical transmission for driving the second part between the transfer position and the extraction position; and a secondary mechanical transmission for driving the first portion and/or the second portion of the second part to relatively move the first portion and the second portion between the first relative position and the second relative position.

3. The machine of claim 2, wherein the primary mechanical transmission includes a closure distance shifter for adjusting a travelling distance of the second part between the transfer position and the extraction position depending on the relative position of the first portion and the second portion when the second part is in the extraction position.

4. The machine of claim 2, wherein the primary mechanical transmission has a dimensionally constant drive structure to maintain a constant travelling distance of the second part between the transfer position and the extraction position irrespectively of the relative position of the first portion and the second portion when the second part is in the extraction position.

5. The machine of claim 2, wherein the secondary mechanical transmission comprises a relative position shifter for relatively moving the first portion and the second portion.

6. The machine of claim 2, wherein the secondary mechanical transmission comprises a first relative position shifter connected to and driving the first portion and a second relative position shifter connected to and driving the second portion, the first relative position and the second relative position shifter arranged to relatively move the first portion and the second portion.

7. The machine of claim 2, wherein the actuator has a drive output that operates selectively in a first direction and in a second direction different to the first direction.

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein the second part is moved: via the primary mechanical transmission irrespectively of the first direction and the second direction of operation of the drive output while the first portion and the second portion of the second part are, via the secondary mechanical transmission, either: relatively moved to the first relative position or maintained in the first relative position or relatively moved to the second relative position or maintained in the second relative position, depending on the direction of operation of the drive output; and/or from the extraction position to the transfer position by the actuator irrespectively of the first direction and the second direction of operation of the drive output while the first portion and the second portion of the second part are relatively moved to an intermediate relative position by the actuator either from the first relative position or from the second relative position irrespectively of the first direction and the second direction of operation of the drive output or by reversing direction operation of the drive output vis--vis a direction of operation for bringing the first portion and the second portion into the first relative position or the second relative position and the second part into the extraction position.

9. The machine of claim 7, wherein at least one of the primary mechanical transmission and the secondary mechanical transmission is dimensionally either blocked or unblocked depending on the direction of operation of the drive output when the second part is moved from the transfer position to the extraction position.

10. The machine of claim 1, wherein the mechanical transmission comprises an automatic return member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates part of a first embodiment of a machine according to the invention with a perspective view of the machine's capsule handling device that is partly cutaway;

(3) FIGS. 2a to 5a and 2b to 5b illustrate a closing sequence of this device handling a large capsule and a small capsule, respectively;

(4) FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of this handling device when open, FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrating the closed device in a configuration for handling a large capsule and a small capsule, respectively;

(5) FIG. 7 illustrates part of a second embodiment of a machine according to the invention with a perspective view of the machine's capsule handling device that is partly cutaway;

(6) FIGS. 8a-8a to 11a-11a and 8b-8b to 11b-11b illustrate a closing sequence of this device handling a large capsule and a small capsule, respectively;

(7) FIGS. 12a-12a and 13a-13a as well as 12b-12b and 13b-13b illustrate details of an opening sequence of this device handling a large capsule and a small capsule, respectively;

(8) FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of this handling device when open, FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrating the closed device in a configuration for handling a large capsule and a small capsule, respectively;

(9) FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative implementation of the above machine in which the handling device is provided with a handle; and

(10) FIGS. 16, 16a and 16b illustrate schematically a further alternative implementation in which the handling device is provided with a camshaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) An exemplary machine 1 with a capsule handling device 1 according to the invention is generally shown in FIGS. 1 to 6b. FIGS. 7 to 14b, in which the same numeric references designate generally the same or similar elements, illustrate a second exemplary machine 1 with a capsule handling device 1 according to the invention. A variation of the actuation is illustrated in FIG. 15, in which the in which the same numeric references designate generally the same or similar elements. In the particular examples, the first two embodiments are shown with a handling device 1 actuated by a motor 30. This motor can however be substituted by a user handle 300 as shown in FIG. 15. FIGS. 16 to 16b, in which the same numeric references designate generally the same or similar elements, illustrate schematically how the previous embodiments can be modified by using a camshaft 33 instead of or in addition to a knuckle-arrangement in the mechanical transmission between the actuator 30,300 and the second movable part 20 of handling device 1.

(12) In particular, machine 1 comprises a frame 1 and a capsule handling device 1 mounted in and/or on the frame 1.

(13) For example, frame 1 supports a control unit 3 and/or a machine's fluid circuit 4 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. Control unit 3 typically includes a controller or processor C and/or a printed circuit board and/or and electric power management and/or a user-interface. The machine's fluid circuit 4 may include one or more fluid conduits 40, a water source, e.g. a tank 41 and/or connector to the city water distribution, a pump 42 and a thermal conditioner 43 such as a heater and/or a cooler. Control unit 3 is typically arranged to control the machine's fluid circuit 4 and can be connected to pump 42, thermal conditioner 43, a sensors such as a temperature sensor, flowmeter a pressure sensor, a level sensor (e.g. in a tank 41). When present, a motor 30 (FIGS. 9 and 10) is typically connected to control unit 3. Control unit 3 may also be connected to position or motion sensors associated with any movable part 20-21b,30-332b of machine 1, e.g. of the machine's capsule handling device 1.

(14) Examples of fluid circuits are disclosed in WO 2009/074550 and in WO 2009/130099.

(15) A suitable thermal conditioner 43 may include a heater and/or a cooler such as a heater that is a thermoblock or an on demand heater (ODH), for instance an ODH type disclosed in EP 1 253 844, EP 1 380 243 and EP 1 809 151.

(16) Suitable control unit configurations and connections are for example disclosed in WO 2009/043851 and WO 2009/043865.

(17) Handling device 1 can have an outlet 11b for dispensing an extract of a capsule 2a,2b handled by device 1.

(18) Outlet 11b may be arranged for dispensing beverage to a user, e.g. to an area for placing a user-cup or a user-mug. The dispensing area may be delimited at the bottom by a support surface for holding a user cup or mug. Such support surfaces are well known in the art, e.g. as disclosed in EP 1 867 260 and WO 2009/074557.

(19) Optionally, handling device 1 has a fluid inlet 23 connected to machine's fluid circuit 4,40,41,42,43 for circulating a fluid into such capsule 2a,2b, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1.

(20) Capsule handling device 1 comprises: a first part 10 that is optionally fixed to frame 1 or movable thereto; a second part 20 that is movable relatively to the frame 1 from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing capsule 2a,2b to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa, the second part 20 comprising: a capsule receptacle 21 delimiting a cavity 21 for receiving such capsule 2a,2b and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber 21 with first part 10; and a first portion 21a and a second portion 21b that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension 21da,21db,21ha,21hb of cavity 21 and of extraction chamber 21; and optionally an inlet 23 for letting a fluid into chamber 21 to capsule 2a,2b in chamber 21 e.g. via or along an opening device such as along one or more piercing elements 22 in cavity 21;

(21) and an actuator 30,300, such as a motor 30 or a handle 300, connected to second part 20 for driving movable second part 20 between the transfer position and the extraction position, for instance an actuator 30,300 that is fixed in or to frame 1.

(22) The first part may be fixed to the frame or movable thereto. When the first part is movable relative to the frame (not shown), the first part can (also) be driven by the same actuator 30,300, e.g. via a cam-arrangement, in line with the teaching disclosed in concurrently filed application EP 2014163793.

(23) Examples of a actuators having a motor are disclosed in EP 1767129, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/025259 and WO 2013/127476. Example of actuators having a user-handle are disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136 and WO 2009/043630.

(24) Handling device 1 may include or delimit or be associated with a capsule feed channel, e.g. a chimney, for guiding capsule 2a,2b, e.g. guiding capsule 2a,2b by gravity, to inbetween first and second parts 10,20 in the transfer position and immobilize capsule 2a,2b therebetween to then form extraction chamber 21 for extracting capsule 2a,2b. Examples of such capsule feed and immobilization channels are disclosed in EP2013196041 and EP2013196042.

(25) Extraction chamber 21 may be configured for holding and housing capsule 2a,2b that contains a flavouring ingredient, such as tea or coffee or chocolate or powder milk and/or any other content mentioned above.

(26) A flavoured beverage may be prepared by circulating a carrier liquid, such as water, into extraction chamber 21 to flavour the liquid by exposure to a flavouring ingredient contained in capsule 2a,2b held in extraction chamber 21.

(27) When capsule 2a,2b is located in extraction chamber 21, an axis of symmetry of capsule 2a,2b may generally be aligned with a corresponding axis of symmetry of extraction chamber 21. To accommodate capsules of different sizes, chamber 21 may have variable dimensions fitting about the capsules and/or closure distances, as for example taught in PCT/EP13/070756 and PCT/EP13/070866.

(28) Upon extraction, capsule 2a,2b may be removed from device 1 by using a suitable capsule remover, e.g. as disclosed in EP2013196040.

(29) Optionally, first part 10 has a support 11 with an outlet 11b for letting out an extract of capsule 2a,2b e.g. via or along an opening device such as via an opening plate 12 e.g. fixed to or integral with support 11.

(30) Optionally, second part 20 has an inlet 23 for letting a fluid into the chamber 21 to capsule 2a,2b e.g. via or along an opening device such as along one or more piercing elements 22 in cavity 21.

(31) Opening devices are optional or not needed when machine 1 is destined to be used for capsules with pre-opened corresponding capsule walls or faces.

(32) When closed capsules 2a,2b are used, first and second parts 10,20 may include a capsule opener such as piercing elements, e.g. blades, and/or a tearing tool, e.g. an opening plate 12, for example with a tearing profile, for instance as known from Nespresso machines. See for example EP 0 512 468, EP 0 512 470, PCT/EP2013/073530, EP2013180164.9 and EP2013180166.4 and EP2013180165.6.

(33) Optionally, at least one of first and second portions 21a,21b comprises a base 211a,211b and a dimensional adjuster 210a,210b movably mounted to base 211a,211b, such as an anti-backlash arrangement for urging first and second parts 10,20 together and/or against capsule 2a,2b, e.g. for sealing, as for example illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 7. For instance, dimensional adjuster 210a,210b is actuated hydraulically e.g. via a hydraulic circuit that comprises a fluid passage 213a,213b and/or one or more sealing elements 212a,212b,212c. Such hydraulic circuit 213a,213b,212a,212b,212c can be connected to the machine's fluid circuit 4 e.g. to fluid inlet 23 of device 1. Fluid passage 213a,213b may be connected to cavity 21 and/or extraction chamber 21. Examples of such dimensional adjusters are disclosed in WO 2008/037642.

(34) Handling device 1 may be arranged for handling selectively different types and/or sizes 2da,2db,2ha,2h of capsules 2a,2b. Capsules 2a,2b may differ as to the volume of their content and/or the conditions for extracting the content, e.g. temperature, pressure and/or flow caracteristics.

(35) A manual or an automatic capsule recognition or sensing system may be used to parameterize and adjust the handling of capsule 2a,2b, e.g. to adjust chamber 21, automatically in line with the recognized or sensed capsule type or size, and/or the conditions of extracting capsule 2a,2b, e.g. temperature and/or volume and/or pressure extraction conditions. Suitable automatic capsule sensing and recognition systems are for example disclosed in WO 2012/123440 and PCT/EP13/070167.

(36) Capsule 2a,2b may be fed to handling device 1 from a capsule loader, e.g. an automatic capsule loader such as a capsule loader that is driven by actuator 30,300. Suitable capsule loaders are for example disclosed in PCT/EP13/064001, PCT/EP13/064003 and EP 2013196594.

(37) Device 1 can be arranged for handling selectively a first capsule 2a having a first flange 2a and a second capsule 2b having a second flange 2b smaller than first flange 2a. For instance, second flange 2b has a dimension, e.g. diameter 2db, that is smaller than a dimension, e.g. diameter 2da, of first flange 2a. Optionally, second capsule 2b has a height 2hb that is smaller than a height 2ha of first capsule 2a.

(38) Capsule 2a,2b can be of the type described above under the header field of the invention. Capsule 2a,2b may have a capsule bottom 2a,2b, e.g. an flow-through face such as an inflow-face, from which extends a sidewall to flange 2a,2b to form a container-body or receptacle, e.g. a generally cup-shaped body, for holding the capsule content, such as a beverage ingredient. Capsule 2a,2b may have an axis of symmetry, for example an axis of revolution generally concentric with flange 2a,2b. Capsule 2a,2b may have a face extending across flange 2a,2b, e.g. forming a flow-through face such as an extraction face. Liquid may circulated via these faces through capsule 2a,2b, e.g. a carrier liquid such as water, to be mixed with the content of capsule 2a,2b.

(39) Flange 2a,2b of capsule 2a,2b may serve for: guiding capsule 2a,2b to inbetween parts 10,20, e.g. via corresponding guide portions of machine 1; removing capsule 2a,2b from parts 10,20 after extraction; and/or to seal a mouth 21 of part 20, such as a mouth 21a,21b of portion 21a,21b, against part 10, e.g. plate 12, when part 10 is in its extraction position against part 20.

(40) In an alternative embodiment, the capsule may be devoid of such a flange. In such a case and if needed, the capsule may be guided via its flangeless body, the capsule may be removed by an ejector pusher movable into cavity 21 or from plate 12, and part 20 in its extraction position may be sealed together with part 10 by direct contact thereof. It will be evident to the skilled person that such features may also be implemented for handling a capsule with a flange.

(41) The storage space of capsule 2b may be smaller than the storage space of capsule 2a. For instance, first capsule 2a may for instance have a shoulder portion adjacent flange 2a that provides additional storage space for the content, e.g. ingredient.

(42) Suitable capsules are for example disclosed in EP 0 512 468, EP 0 512 470 and EP 2 068 684.

(43) Actuator 30,300 is further connected to first and/or second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 to relatively move first and second portions 21a,21b between their first and second relative positions. Optionally actuator 30,300 drives second part 20 between its transfer and extraction positions and drives first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 between their first and second positions: simultaneously; or sequentially; or partly simultaneously and partly sequentially.

(44) Hence, a single actuator may actuate part 20 between the transfer and the extraction position as well as portions 21a,21b of part 20 between their first and second relative positions.

(45) Device 1 may comprise a mechanical transmission 32,33,33a,33b, connecting actuator 30,300 to second part and to first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 for driving: second part 20 between the transfer position and the extraction position; and first and/or second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 to relatively move first and second portions 21a,21b between their first and second relative positions.

(46) Mechanical transmission 32,33,33a,33b may be connected to actuator 30,300 by an actuator transmission 30,30,30,302,31. For instance, when the actuator is a motor 30, the actuator transmission may include at least one of: axles 31, pinions e.g. toothed pinions 30,30, wheels e.g. toothed wheels, racks e.g. toothed racks, worm drives 30, knuckle joint arrangements, cam arrangements and belts. When the actuator is a handle 300 with a grip 301, the transmission may include at least one of levers 302, axles 31, pinions e.g. toothed pinions, wheels e.g. toothed wheels, racks e.g. toothed racks, worm drives, knuckle joint arrangements, cam arrangements and belts.

(47) Mechanical transmission 32,33,33a,33b may include: a primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 for driving second part 20 between the transfer position and the extraction position; and a secondary mechanical transmission 33,330,330,332, 333; 33a,330a,331a,332a,333a; 33b,330b,331b,332b,333b for driving first and/or second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 to relatively move first and second portions 21a,21b between their first and second relative positions.

(48) The secondary mechanical transmission may be driven by the primary mechanical transmission, the secondary mechanical transmission is for instance serially mounted on the primary mechanical transmission.

(49) As illustrated in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6) primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 may include a closure distance shifter 321,322,323 for adjusting a travelling distance of second part 20 between the transfer position and the extraction position depending on the relative position of first and second portions 21a,21b when second part 20 is in the extraction position.

(50) Closure distance shifter 321,322,323 can connect primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 to a drive wheel 31, such as a drive wheel actuated by actuator 30,300 e.g. via an actuator transmission 30,30,30,302,31. For instance, shifter 321,322,323 is connected via a pivot connector 31a to drive wheel 31 and/or via a pivot connector 323 to a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32.

(51) Closure distance shifter 321,322,323 may interact with a slide 320 of a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32.

(52) Closure distance shifter 321,322,323 can be associated with at least one of: a return spring 322, such as a return-spring mounted to a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32; and a direction discriminator 324, such as a discriminator fixed to a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32, to block and unblock the closure distance shifter depending on the relative position of the first portion 21a and a second portion 21b when second part 20 is in the extraction position.

(53) For instance, primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 is connected to first portion 21a of second part 20 and closure distance shifter 321,322,323 is arranged to: extend primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 and thus first portion 21a when a large capsule 21a is used (for instance by maintaining shifter 321,322,323 in an extended configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 5a); and/or retract primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 and thus first portion 21a (so that second portion 21b telescopes beyond first portion 21a) when a small capsule 21b is used (for instance by allowing shifter 321,322,323 to retract as illustrated in FIGS. 2b to 5b).

(54) Alternatively (not shown), the primary mechanical transmission can be connected to the second portion of second part and the closure distance shifter can thus be arranged to: extend the primary mechanical transmission and thus the second portion when a small capsule is used (for instance by maintaining the shifter in an extended configuration); and/or retract the primary mechanical transmission and thus the second portion (so that the first portion telescopes beyond the second portion) when a large capsule is used (for instance by allowing shifter to retract).

(55) Closure distance shifter 321,322,323 may include a knuckle-joint arrangement 321,322,323. Alternative arrangements may include wheels e.g. toothed wheels, racks e.g. toothed racks, worm drives, cam arrangements and belts.

(56) As illustrated in the second embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 14) Primary mechanical transmission 32,320,32 can have a dimensionally constant drive structure 320 to maintain a constant travelling distance of second part 20 between the transfer position and the extraction position irrespectively of the relative position of first and second portions 21a,21b when second part 20 is in the extraction position. The closure distance of second part 20 may be adjusted via secondary mechanical transmission 33a,33b.

(57) As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 15, primary transmission 32,320,32 can be connected to a drive wheel 31, such as a drive wheel actuated by actuator 30,300 e.g. via an actuator transmission 30,30,30,302,31. For instance, primary transmission 32,320,32 is connected via a pivot connector 31a to drive wheel 31.

(58) Primary transmission 32,320,32 may comprise a connecting rod 320 or wheel, such as a pair of connecting rods 320 or wheels, e.g. a rod 320 or wheel connecting a drive axle 32 to which second portion 20 is directly or indirectly, e.g. via secondary mechanical transmission 33a,33b, connected to be driven thereby.

(59) Primary transmission 32,320,32 can have a mechanical input that is driven in rotation about a drive arc 31 and a mechanical output that is moved in translation.

(60) Secondary mechanical transmission 33 may comprise a relative position shifter 330,331,332 for relatively moving first and second portions 21a,21b.

(61) Relative position shifter 33,330,331,332 can connect primary mechanical transmission 32, e.g. an output 32 of primary mechanical transmission 32, to first and second portions 21a,21b such as via pivoting axis 32,333 mounted to first and second portions 21a,21b.

(62) Relative position shifter 33,330,331,332 may be associated with a first travel stop 330 for stopping a travel of first and second portions 21a,21b when they reach their first relative position and/or a second travel stop 330 for stopping a travel of the first and second portions 21a,21b when they reach their second relative position.

(63) Relative position shifter 330,331,332; 331a,331a,332a; 331b,331b,332b can be associated with a direction discriminator 320,320,330, such as a travel stop arrangement 320,320,330 formed on a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32 and on a transmission rod 330 of secondary mechanical transmission 33, to block and unblock or drive or not drive the relative position shifter depending on the required relative position of first portion 21a and a second portion 21b when second part 20 is in the extraction position.

(64) Direction discriminator 324,320,320,330, may allow the corresponding shifter 321,321,322; 330,331,332; 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b to be blocked or unblocked or driven or not drive.

(65) For instance, direction discriminator 324 is arranged to block in extended position shifter 321,321,322 when primary mechanical transmission 32 is driven counter-clockwise to move part 20 from the transfer position to the extraction position (FIGS. 2a to 5a); direction discriminator 324 can be arranged to allow the retraction of shifter 321,321,322 when primary mechanical transmission 32 is driven clockwise to move part 20 from the transfer position to the extraction position (FIGS. 2b to 5b).

(66) Direction discriminator 320 may be arranged to block in extended position shifter 330,331,332 when primary mechanical transmission 32 is driven clockwise to move part 20 from the transfer position to the extraction position (FIGS. 2b to 5b and 6b); direction discriminator 320,330 can be arranged to allow the retraction of shifter 321,321,322 when primary mechanical transmission 32 is driven counter-clockwise to move part 20 from the transfer position to the extraction position (FIGS. 2a to 5a and 6a).

(67) Relative position shifter 33,330,331,332 may comprise a knuckle-joint arrangement 330,331,332 driving first and second portions 21a,21b between their first and second relative positions.

(68) As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 14b, secondary mechanical transmission 33a,33b may comprise a first relative position shifter 330a,331a,332a connected to and driving first portion 21a and second relative position shifter 330b,331b,332b connected to and driving second portion 21b. First and second relative position shifters 330a,331a,332a;330b,331b,332b can be arranged to relatively move first and second portions 21a,21b.

(69) One or both relative position shifters 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b can be connected primary mechanical transmission 32, e.g. to an output 32 of primary mechanical transmission 32.

(70) One or both relative position shifters 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b can be associated with a first end of A travel stop 2a for stopping a travel of the first and/or second portions 21b when they reach their first relative position and/or a second travel stop 1a1,333a for stopping a travel of first and/or second portions 21a when they reach their second relative position.

(71) One or both relative position shifters 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b may be associated with a direction discriminator 320,330a; 320,330b, such as a travel stop arrangement 320,330a; 320,330b formed on a transmission rod 320 of primary mechanical transmission 32 and on a transmission rod 330a,330b of secondary mechanical transmission 33, to selectively drive or not drive the relative position shifter 33a,33b depending on the required relative position of first and second portions 21a,21b when second part 20 is in the extraction position.

(72) Direction discriminator 320 may be arranged to allow (and drive) shifter 330b,331b,332b into a retracted configuration when primary mechanical transmission 32,32 is driven counter-clockwise to move part 20 out of the transfer position (FIGS. 8a to 10a) and to leave shifter 330b,331b,332b in extended position, for instance under bias of spring 332b (which is illustrated in a compressed state to show the movement of member 320b with its retainer 320b for spring 332b) e.g. lodged in recesses 332b, when primary mechanical transmission 32,32 is drive clockwise to move part 20 out of the transfer position (FIGS. 8a to 10a). As illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 11a, the end of movement of the retraction of shifter 330b,331b,332b is not caused by discriminator 320 (which turns into the opposite direction towards the extraction position) but by the resistance of capsule 2a against portion 21b to which shifter 330b,331b,332b is connected.

(73) Direction discriminator 320 may be arranged to allow (and drive) shifter 330a,331a,332a into a retracted configuration when primary mechanical transmission 32,32 is driven clockwise to move part 20 out of the transfer position (FIGS. 8b to 10b) and to leave shifter 330a,331a,332a in extended position (for instance under bias of spring 332a) when primary mechanical transmission 32,32 is drive counter-clockwise to move part 20 out of the transfer position (FIGS. 8b to 10b). As illustrated in FIGS. 10b and 11b, the end of movement of the retraction of shifter 330a,331a,332a is not caused by discriminator 320 (which turns into the opposite direction towards the extraction position) but by the retainer arrangement 1a1,333a.

(74) One or both relative position shifters 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b may include a knuckle-joint arrangement 330a,331a,332a;330b,331b,332b driving first and/or second portions 21a,21b between their first and second relative positions.

(75) In a variation schematically illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 16b, one or both relative position shifters 33,33ax,33bx may include a camshaft 33, such as a single cam shaft 33 comprised in both relative position shifters, that drive(s) directly or indirectly to first and/or the second portions 21a,21b into their first relative position or their second relative position. Optionally first and second portions 21a,21b are in an intermediate relative position (FIG. 16) when second part 20 is in the transfer position and being brought into their first or second relative position (FIGS. 16a and 16b), depending on the direction of pivoting of the cam shaft 33, when second part 20 is brought from the transfer position to the extraction position.

(76) Each relative position shifter 330a,331a,332a; 330b,331b,332b can be in a serial mechanical configuration between an output 32 of first mechanical transmission 32 and an input 333a,333b of portion 21a,21b associated with shifter 330a,331a,332a;330b,331b,332b.

(77) First relative position shifter 330a,331a,332a may be mounted in parallel to second relative position shifter 330b,331b,332b on first mechanical transmission 32. For instance, first and second position shifters 330a,331a, 332a;330b,331b,332b are mounted in parallel between first mechanical transmission 32 and second part 20.

(78) Actuator 30,300 can have a drive output 30,31, such as a rotor 30 or an axle 31, that operates selectively in a first direction and in a second direction different to the first direction. For instance, rotor 30 or axle 31 rotates selectively in a clockwise direction 303 and in a counter-clockwise direction 303. Actuator 30,300 can be controlled to operate drive output 30,31 in first direction or in second direction via a user-interface 3,301 or via a sensor 3 arranged to sense a characteristic of a capsule 2a,2b to be handled by device 1, such as a size and/or a type of such capsule 2a,2b.

(79) Second part 20 can be moved: from the transfer position to the extraction position by actuator 30,300 via primary mechanical transmission irrespectively of the first and second directions of operation of drive output 30,31 while first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 are, via secondary mechanical transmission 33,33a,33b, either: relatively moved (FIG. 6a) to their first relative position or maintained in their first relative position or relatively moved to their second relative position or maintained (FIG. 6b) in their second relative position, depending on the direction of operation of the drive output 30,31;

(80) and/or from the extraction position to the transfer position by actuator 30,300 while first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 are relatively moved to an intermediate relative position (FIGS. 8a and 8b) by actuator 30,300 either from their first relative position (FIGS. 11a and 16a) or from their second relative position (FIGS. 11b and 16b) irrespectively of the first and second directions of operation of drive output 30,31 or by reversing the direction operation of drive output 30,31 vis--vis the direction of operation for bringing first and second portions 21a,21b into their first or second relative position and second part 20 into its extraction position.

(81) At least one of primary mechanical transmission 32 and secondary mechanical transmission 33, e.g. a first and/or a second mechanical transmission 33a,33b, may be either blocked (e.g. not retracted and not retractable) or unblocked (e.g. retracted or retractable) depending on the direction of operation of drive output 30,31 when second part 20 is moved from transfer position to the extraction position.

(82) In the first embodiment, for instance, primary mechanical transmission 32 (e.g. shifter 330,331,332) is dimensionally blocked (e.g. not retracted and not retractable) when part 20 is moved into the extraction position with first and second portions 21a,21b in(to) the first relative position (FIGS. 2a to 5a); primary mechanical transmission 32 (e.g. shifter 330,331,332) is dimensionally adjusting (e.g. retracting) when part 20 is moved into the extraction position with first and second portions 21a,21b in(to) their second relative position (FIGS. 2b to 5b).

(83) In the second embodiment, for instance, first secondary mechanical transmission (e.g. shifter 330a,331a,332a) is dimensionally blocked (e.g. not retracted and not retractable) and second secondary mechanical transmission 330b,331b,332b is dimensionally adjusting (e.g. retracting) when part 20 is moved into the extraction position with first and second portions 21a,21b in(to) the first relative position (FIGS. 8a to 11a); second secondary mechanical transmission (e.g. shifter 330b,331b,332b) is dimensionally blocked and second first mechanical transmission 330a,331a,332a is dimensionally adjusting (e.g. retracting) when part 20 is moved in(to) the extraction position with first and second portions 21a,21b in the first relative position (FIGS. 8a to 11a).

(84) Primary mechanical transmission 32 may include a closure distance shifter 321,322,323 which is either blocked (e.g. not retracted and not retractable) or unblocked (e.g. retracted or retractable) depending on the direction of operation of drive output 30,31 when second part 20 is moved from the transfer position to the extraction position, as illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 2a to 5a with FIGS. 2b to 5b.

(85) Secondary mechanical transmission 33 can be either blocked or unblocked depending on the direction of operation of the drive output 30,31 when second part 20 is moved from the transfer position to the extraction position, as illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 2a to 5a with FIGS. 2b to 5b.

(86) Secondary mechanical transmission can have a first secondary mechanical transmission 33a and a second secondary mechanical transmission 33b that are alternatively blocked and unblocked depending on the direction of operation of the drive output 30,31 when second part 20 is moved from the transfer position to the extraction position, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 14b.

(87) Mechanical transmission 32,33,33a,33b may include an automatic return means 322, such as a bias element, e.g. an automatic return spring 322,332a,332b, for returning a mechanical transmission, such as a primary or a secondary mechanical transmission e.g. a first or second secondary mechanical transmission, for instance a closure distance shifter 321,322,323 or a first or second relative position shifter 330a,331a,332a; 330a,331a,332a to a reference configuration; and/or a retainer, such as a protruding face 321,330a,330b,333a, interfering with a counter-retainer, such as a hook 1a,1a,1b,1a1, e.g. a counter-retainer fixed to frame 1, for bringing mechanical transmission 32,33,33a,33b to a reference configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 9b-11b and 12a-13a and 12b-13b.

(88) Handling device 1 can be configured to handle a first capsule 2a of first dimensions 2da,2ha as well as a second capsule 2b of second dimensions 2db,2hb different to these first dimensions (e.g. different first and second capsule diameters 2da,2db and/or different first and second capsule heights 2ha,2hb), first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 delimiting: in their first relative position, cavity 21 and extraction chamber 21 with first dimensions 21da,21ha for receiving and extracting first capsule 2a; and in their second relative position, cavity 21 and extraction chamber 21 with second dimensions 21db,21hb for receiving and extracting second capsule 2b such as second dimensions 21db,21hb that are smaller than first dimensions 21da,21ha.

(89) For instance, chamber 21 in this first relative position being dimensionally unfit to hold second capsule 2b for extracting it and/or chamber 21 in this second relative position being dimensionally unfit to hold first capsule 2a for extracting it.

(90) Alternatively, first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 may delimit in their first and in their second relative positions, cavity 21 and extraction chamber 21 of different dimensions for adjusting a confinement and/or a compression of a deformable and/or expandable capsule in chamber 21 to adjust the capsule extraction conditions.

(91) The above described machines 1 may thus be combined with a capsule 2a,2b, such as a capsule selected from a set of a first capsule 2a having first dimensions 2da,2ha and a second capsule 2b having second dimensions 2db,2hb different to these first dimensions and which can both be handled and extracted in extraction chamber 21.

(92) During handling in machines 1, the following steps can be carried out: capsule 2a,2b can be immobilized between first and second parts 10,20 when second part 20 is in its transfer position (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 8a and 8b); second part 20 can be moved by actuator 30,300 to the extraction position, whereby when needed a relative movement of first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 between their first and second relative positions can be driven by actuator 30,300 (FIGS. 3a-5a, 3b-5b and FIGS. 9a-11a, 9b-11b); and capsule 2a,2b can be extracted in the thereby formed extraction chamber 21 (FIGS. 5a,5b,11a and 11b); actuator 30,300 can move second part 20 to the transfer position, whereby when needed a relative movement of the first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 can be driven by actuator 30,300 (FIGS. 12a-13a and FIGS. 12b-13b); and extracted capsule 2a,2b can be removed (FIGS. 12a and 12b).

(93) Generally speaking, second part 20 of handling device 1 can be moved from the extraction position to the transfer position (first and second portions 21a,21b of second part 20 being movable back into their relative position when second part 20 is in the transfer position, before or after or while second part 20 is moved to the transfer position) by generally reversing the movement (of second part 20 from the transfer to the extraction position and of first and second portions 21a,21b into the first or second relative position). Possible deviations during the reversing movement may result from the (optional) use of the abovementioned retainer and counter-retainer arrangements and similar arrangements.

(94) It follows that capsule 2a,2b, e.g. a capsule selected from a set of a first capsule 2a having first dimensions 2da,2ha and a second capsule 2b having second dimensions 2db,2hb, can be used for: the above described machines; implementing the above described machine combined with capsule 2a,2b; or carrying out the above described capsule handling method.