Autonomous device for extracting honey from a receptacle comprising honeycombs

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction device (1) comprising a honey receptacle (101) and a pressing block (105) which is movable within the honey receptacle, and comprising a pressing plate (125) for pressing honeycombs present in the honey receptacle. The pressing plate (125) comprises at least one outlet opening (127) for extracting the honey from the honeycombs through the pressing plate (125).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: SELF-CONTAINED DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING HONEY FROM A CONTAINER CONTAINING HONEY BARS

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The field of the invention relates to a honey extraction device and an associated autonomous method.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Honey consumers can now purchase honeycombs directly, allowing them to obtain honey that hasn't been altered by mechanical centrifugation to separate it from the wax in the cells. Obtaining honey this way also guarantees that it hasn't been mixed with liquid sugar or additives.

[0007] For example, US4,435,865 allows for the direct sale of sachets containing honeycombs built by bees. The honey can then be harvested using primitive extraction methods such as scraping it from the honeycombs.

[0008] One drawback of these single-serving packets is the difficulty of extracting the honey and the associated mess, including the risk of contaminating utensils and the surrounding environment. This generally discourages consumers from buying honeycomb, even though they would prefer to consume it this way, given the better preservation of its organoleptic qualities. A second drawback, beyond the extraction itself, is the need to filter the honey extracted from the honeycomb. A third disadvantage is the difficulty of extracting partial quantities of honey from the comb when not all of it needs to be used at once. Furthermore, it is often difficult to extract all of the honey from the comb into such packets.

[0009] Current efficient extraction methods are mainly based on expensive industrial machines, such as centrifuges or honey presses, which are not suitable for consumers.

[0010] Therefore, there is no practical device that allows consumers to purchase honeycombs from which the honey can be extracted instantly, easily, without mess, and that permits the extraction of all the honey from the combs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to a honey extraction device comprising a honey receptacle and a movable pressure block within the honey receptacle. The pressure block includes a pressing plate for pressing honeycombs present in the honey receptacle. The pressing plate includes at least one outlet opening for extracting honey from the honeycombs through the pressing plate, particularly when pressure is applied to the pressure block.

[0012] One advantage of the present invention is that the honey is collected above the pressing tray, allowing it to be scooped out with a spoon or by pouring it out of the receptacle. Another advantage of the device according to the invention is its simplicity of manufacture, requiring only two parts in its simplest version. A third advantage is the ability to extract the honey with a simple press by the user on the pressing block. Finally, the device advantageously allows for honey extraction without having to transfer the honeycombs into the receptacle, since the invention allows the receptacle used for selling the honeycombs to be used.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device includes a thrust module to initiate the movement of the press block within the receptacle. An advantage is that it transmits the pressure applied by the user to the press block for honey extraction, thus facilitating the use of the device.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one outlet opening of the pressing plate includes at least one slot. The slot is optionally arranged in the plane of the pressing plate. The slot passes through the pressing plate to allow the honey to pass through. The shape of the slot advantageously improves honey extraction. Indeed, it allows the honey to be extracted while crushing a maximum number of cells in the honeycomb.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pressing plate includes at least one cutting element for breaking the honeycomb cells and guiding the honey towards at least one outlet opening. The cutting element advantageously improves honey extraction by guiding the honey towards the outlet openings. The cutting element also advantageously reduces the force required on the pressing block to break the honeycomb structure within the receptacle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device includes a heating means for heating the honey to a predetermined temperature. Advantageously, this heating means reduces the viscosity of the honey in the honeycomb. This facilitates extraction and advantageously reduces the force required on the press block to extract the honey.

[0017] In one embodiment, the receptacle is adapted to be placed in a beehive so that the bees can build honeycombs within it. An advantage is that it allows the consumer to extract their own honey without having to transfer honeycombs into an extraction device. Another advantage is obtaining an extraction device specifically designed for such a receptacle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the receptacle includes means for stacking receptacles in pairs, such that the lateral walls of two stacked receptacles form access points for bees to pass into a receptacle. This type of receptacle advantageously increases the density of receptacles within the hive volume while still allowing bees to move between the different receptacles through the provided access points.

[0019] In one embodiment, the receptacle includes alveolar primers. In another embodiment, the alveolar primers extend from the inner surface of the lower face of the receptacle.

[0020] A primary advantage of honeycomb starter strips is that they encourage bees to build honeycombs. This allows the bees to fill the honey receptacle more quickly. A second advantage is the ability to control the orientation of the honeycombs built by the bees. Preferably, the starter strips are arranged and designed to produce honeycombs whose cells extend in a direction roughly perpendicular to the underside, and therefore to the pressing plate when it is inserted into the receptacle. A third advantage is the ability to select the position of the honeycomb patterns to align them with the exit openings of the pressing plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the underside of the receptacle comprises at least one quadrilateral, triangular, or hexagonal shape. Such shapes advantageously allow for the creation of a network by assembling receptacles side by side. The formation of a network increases the density of receptacles per unit area in the hive.

[0022] In one embodiment, the extraction device includes a filtration block with a filtration surface arranged to filter the honey passing through the outlet opening. An advantage is that it cleans the extracted honey of any dust and wax debris present in the honey that passed through the pressing plate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pusher module is designed to cover the receptacle so as to retain the extracted honey between the press block and the pusher module. In one embodiment, the pusher module includes an opening for the extracted honey to flow out of the receptacle. In another embodiment, this opening includes a spout for pouring the extracted honey. The pusher module thus advantageously retains the honey in the receptacle and facilitates the recovery of the extracted honey.

[0024] In one embodiment, the filtration block is fixed to the pressure block or movable in translation within the pressure block.

[0025] In one embodiment, the width of the slots is less than the length or diameter of the honeycomb cell pattern in the receptacle. In another embodiment, the width of the slots is less than the length or diameter of the honeycomb starter pattern. This arrangement advantageously ensures that the structure of each honeycomb cell is broken by the crushing action of the pressure plate.

[0026] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent slots is less than the length or diameter of the honeycomb cell pattern in the receptacle. In another embodiment, the distance between two adjacent slots is less than the length or diameter of the honeycomb starter pattern. This arrangement advantageously allows the honey from each cell to pass through a slot without having to pass through another cell. The pressure required on the press block to extract all the honey is therefore advantageously reduced.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pressing plate comprises a plurality of cutting elements. In one embodiment, each cutting element extends longitudinally between two adjacent slots.

[0028] In another aspect, the invention relates to a press block comprising a pressing plate with slotted openings for extracting honey from honeycombs through the pressing plate, and cutting elements arranged between the slots for pressing the honeycombs. The press block further comprises a filtering plate attached to the pressing plate for filtering the extracted honey through the pressing plate. In one embodiment, the filtering plate has circular openings. These circular openings may be arranged between the slots of the pressing plate. In another aspect, the invention relates to a thrusting module comprising a first part for covering a receptacle containing honeycombs and a second part designed to abut against a pressing plate or a filtering plate inserted into said receptacle.The second part comprises guide walls to direct the honey passing through the pressing plate towards a passage channel of the thrust module extending to an exhaust. In one embodiment, the guide walls form a cone or a pyramid, and the passage channel is arranged at the apex of said cone or pyramid.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached figures, which illustrate: Fig. 1A: a perspective view of a receptacle of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 1 B: a perspective view of a plurality of superimposed receptacles arranged in a network according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 2: A perspective view of a pressure block of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 3A: a cross-sectional view of a pressure block of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 3B: a schematic view of the top of the slots of the press plate according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 4: A perspective view of a filtration block of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 5: A perspective view of a thrust module of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Fig. 6: a cross-sectional view of a pressure block of an extraction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. 7: A cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Fig. 8: A cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Fig. 9: A cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10: A cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to the first embodiment of the invention comprising honeycombs in the receptacle.

[0041] Fig. 11: a cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to the first embodiment of the invention in which the honey present in the honeycombs has been extracted through the press plate of the press block.

[0042] Fig. 12: a cross-sectional view of an extraction device according to an embodiment where the lid is butted against the filter block and where the thrust module includes guide walls to guide the extracted honey towards a passage channel of the thrust module extending to an exhaust.

[0043] Fig. 13: a cross-sectional view of an extraction device from figure 12 in which the honey present in the honeycombs is extracted through the press plate of the press block and transported in the passage channel.

[0044] Fig. 14: A perspective view of a thrust module according to another embodiment in which includes guide walls to guide the extracted honey towards a passage channel of the thrust module extending to an exhaust.

[0045] Fig. 15: A perspective view of a press block including a filter attached to the press plate to filter the extracted honey through the slots in the press plate.

[0046] Fig. 16A and 16B: a perspective view of one or more adjacent capsules including ventilation windows on their side walls.

[0047] Fig. 17: A simplified view of a pressing block according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] DEFINITIONS

[0049] In the following description, the following terms should be understood according to their definition as specified below.

[0050] The terms "lower" and "upper" should be understood as referring to the axis of movement of the press block within the receptacle. The lower side is the side towards which the press block is inserted to press the honeycombs.

[0051] The "length of a honeycomb pattern" should be understood as the distance between two opposite vertices of a hexagonal pattern.

[0052] The "diameter of a honeycomb pattern" should be understood as the internal diameter of a hexagonal pattern, or, in other words, the distance between the midpoints of two opposite sides of said hexagonal pattern. "Honey extraction" refers to the separation of honey from its honeycomb structure composed of wax and propolis.

[0053] By "honeycomb" we mean a set of cells naturally built out of wax by bees.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The invention relates to a honey extraction device 1. The device comprises a receptacle containing honeycombs and a press block for extracting the honey.

[0056] The invention and its components will be better understood in the description below with reference to the various figures.

[0057] Receptacle

[0058] The extraction device 1 according to the invention includes a receptacle 101, an embodiment of which is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 5.

[0059] The receptacle 101 comprises a frame formed by side walls 109 and a lower face 132.

[0060] The receptacle 101 includes a top opening 103.

[0061] The receptacle 101 forms a cavity 102 in which honeycombs 400 are present. The cavity 102 is delimited by a lower face 132, the lateral walls 109 and by the upper opening 103 of the receptacle 101.

[0062] In a first example, the receptacle 101 is designed to receive 400 honeycombs, for example through the upper opening 103 of the receptacle 101.

[0063] In a second preferred example, the receptacle 101 is designed to be inserted into a beehive so that the bees build the honeycombs 400 in the cavity 102 of the receptacle.

[0064] In one embodiment, the receptacle 101 includes primers, in particular alveolar primers 111. The alveolar primers 111 advantageously encourage bees to build honeycombs 400 in the receptacle 101 or in the cavity 102 of the receptacle 101.

[0065] Generally, bees build honeycombs on either side of a floor. In this case, the receptacle, having honeycomb patterns on its underside, leads the bees to build combs only on one side. These honeycomb starters 111 thus allow the bees to save on wax production. The starters 111 are arranged on one face or side of the receptacle 101. Preferably, the starters 111 are arranged on the underside 132 of the receptacle 101. The starters 111 extend into the receptacle from said underside 132 of the receptacle 101.

[0066] The primers 111 are then arranged on the opposite face to the upper opening 103 of the receptacle 101. The honeycomb primers 111 may include a plurality of artificial cells to encourage the bees to build the honeycombs 400 inside the receptacle 101.

[0067] The alveolar primers 111 are composed of a network defined by a repetition of an alveolar motif. The alveolar motifs of the primers may be included in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the lower face 132.

[0068] Preferably, the dimensions of the honeycomb pattern are similar to the dimensions of the cells typically produced by a particular bee species. Indeed, cell dimensions can vary depending on the bee species for which the honeycomb is intended. Preferably, the length of each motif of the honeycomb primer 111, measured between two opposite corners of said motif, is between 4 mm and 8 mm, or between 5 mm and 7 mm, or between 6 mm and 6.5 mm. Preferably, the diameter of each motif of the honeycomb primer 111, measured between two opposite sides of said motif, is between 4 mm and 7 mm, or between 4.5 mm and 6.5 mm, or between 5.0 mm and 6.0 mm. These latter dimensions correspond approximately to the dimensions of the cells generally built by the most widespread domestic bees such as the black bee (Apis Mellifera Mellifera) or the Caucasian bee (Apis Mellifera caucasica).Indeed, bees spontaneously build cells of approximately 5 mm in diameter (these dimensions vary according to the varieties of bees and the purpose of the cells, i.e. 4.8 mm for brood cells and 5.3 mm for honey cells).

[0069] In one embodiment, the alveolar primers, viewed from above through the receptacle opening, have a network of regular hexagons with sides measuring approximately 3 mm or between 2 mm and 4 mm. The wall thickness of the alveolar primers 111 can be between 20 and 100 µm.

[0070] In one embodiment, the honeycomb starters extend vertically towards the opening of the receptacle. Preferably, the walls of the starters 111 do not extend horizontally but at an angle of between 5° and 10° to a horizontal plane to prevent the honey in the cells from flowing out of the cells by capillary action and gravity. Thus, the bees advantageously do not have to initiate the creation of the honeycomb cells in the receptacle 101, but only extend the structure formed by the starters.

[0071] In a first example, the alveolar primers 111 include an imprint on an inner surface of the receptacle 101.

[0072] When the receptacle 101, fitted with starter strips 111, is placed in a super of the hive, the bees extend the cell impressions into the thickness of the starter strip with a wax structure so that these cells eventually reach the height of the receptacle 101. The bees then fill the cells with honey and finally seal them with a wax cap. This honey-filled wax honeycomb structure can be called a "comb."

[0073] As illustrated in Figure 1A, the primers 111 preferentially form a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb pattern can be embossed on the inner surface of the lower face of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the plurality of primers is formed by a honeycomb-patterned grid.

[0074] Primers 111 may include an imprint. The imprint is formed by grooves in the thickness of the receptacle, creating a honeycomb pattern. Primers may include threads, such as metallic or plastic wires, on the inner surface of the receptacle. The threads preferentially form a honeycomb pattern. Primers may also be three-dimensionally printed.

[0075] In one embodiment, the starter strips 111 are coated with a layer of wax. Such a wax coating further encourages bees to begin building honeycombs in line with the starter strips 111. Preferably, the wax coating can be applied to said starter strips 111 by means of a spray or spray.

[0076] In one embodiment, the primers are made of wax, for example by inserting a wax plate such as an embossed wax plate.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the inner face of the receptacle opposite the opening face does not include alveolar primers 111 but may include a layer of wax and may be substantially flat. The wax layer may be applied by spraying or by pouring a volume of wax.

[0078] In one embodiment, the receptacle 101 is designed to allow access for the bees when the upper opening 103 is blocked. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1B, the receptacle 101 can be designed to be stacked on top of another identical receptacle 101. The lower face 132 of the first receptacle 101 then blocks the upper opening 103 of the second receptacle 101. The side walls 109 of the receptacle 101 or of the two stacked receptacles 101 form an access 21 for the passage of the bees. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacles are designed to be inserted into a frame of a beehive super.

[0079] As illustrated in Figure 1A, the upper part of the side walls 109 of the receptacle 101 includes a notch 21. Said notch 21 is formed by a variation in the height of the side wall 109. This notch 21 provides access for the passage of bees when two receptacles 101 are superimposed.

[0080] In one embodiment, the receptacle 101 includes means for cooperating to stack several receptacles 101 on top of each other. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the upper part of the receptacle 101 may include a protrusion 22 configured to cooperate with a recess (not shown) in the lower face 132 of a second receptacle 101.

[0081] These means of cooperation 22 and access 21 advantageously allow stacking at least two, preferably a plurality of receptacle 101, to optimize the volume available to bees to build honeycombs 400 while allowing passage of bees inside receptacle 101.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 1A, the underside 132 of the receptacle 101 has a hexagonal shape. The underside 132 can also have a triangular or quadrilateral shape. Such shapes advantageously allow the creation of a network by assembling receptacles 101 side by side. Forming a network increases the number of receptacles 101 per unit area in the hive and thus optimizes the volume for comb construction by the bees. The access points formed for the passage of bees are designed to cooperate when two receptacles are placed next to each other.

[0083] Another advantage of the access points is the possibility of ventilating the inside of the 101 receptacles. The access points of each 101 receptacle connect to each other up to the end of the assembly in the riser, allowing optimal ventilation of the assembly as in a standard riser.

[0084] In one embodiment, the receptacles 101 can be arranged in a hive super equipped with rails to secure the space between two adjacent receptacles at the ends of the receptacle network. These rails may include recesses arranged to correspond to the receptacle entrances, further promoting receptacle ventilation and bee movement. Pressure block

[0085] The extraction device 1 includes a press block 105, one embodiment of which is described below with reference to figures 2, 3A and 3B.

[0086] The pressure block 105 is designed to be mobile, in particular mobile in translation within the receptacle 101. The pressure block 105 is designed to be inserted into the receptacle 101 through the upper opening 103 of the receptacle 101.

[0087] The press block 105 includes a pressing plate 125. As the press block 105 moves through the receptacle 101, the pressing plate 125 crushes the honeycombs 400, causing the cells to break. The honey is then released from the cells.

[0088] The pressing plate 125 includes at least one outlet opening. The outlet opening allows the honey 401 to pass through the pressing plate 125.

[0089] Preferably, the external dimensions of the pressing plate 125 are chosen so that, during the translation of the pressing block 105 in the receptacle 101, the honey 401 cannot rise between the pressing plate 125 and the side walls 109 of the receptacle 101.

[0090] In an example illustrated in Figure 2, the press block 105 includes side walls 126. The side walls 126 of the press block 105 extend from the press plate 105, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the press plate. The side walls 126 of the press block 105 extend towards the upper side of the press block 105. A primary advantage of the side walls 126 of the press block 105 is that they allow contact with the side walls 109 of the receptacle 101, thus preventing the honey 400 from rising above the press plate 125 without passing through at least one outlet opening. A second advantage of the side walls 126 of the pressure block 105 is to facilitate the guidance of the pressure block 105 inside the receptacle 101. A third advantage of the side walls 126 of the pressure block 105 is to create a bearing surface 129 at the upper end of the side walls 126 of the pressure block 105.This bearing surface 129 allows a force to be applied to the press block 105 and cause its insertion into the receptacle 101.

[0091] In an embodiment not shown, the press block 105 includes a seal (not shown) allowing contact between the press block 105 and the side walls 109 of the receptacle 101 to prevent the honey present in the cavity 102 of the receptacle 101 from rising above the pressing plate 105 from its sides.

[0092] The pressing plate 125 includes at least one outlet opening allowing the honey to pass through the pressing plate 125. During the progression of the pressing plate 125 within the receptacle 101, the pressing plate 125 encounters the honeycombs and crushes them against the lower face 132 of the receptacle 101. This crushing causes the wax cells formed by the bees to rupture and the honey to flow out of these cells.

[0093] Due to the pressure exerted by the pressing plate 125, the honey 401 rises through the pressing plate 125 through the outlet opening.

[0094] In one embodiment, the pressing plate 125 includes a plurality of outlet openings. Increasing the number of outlet openings advantageously optimizes the extraction of honey 401 and the crushing of the honeycombs 400.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3A and 3B, the outlet openings are slots 127. The slots 127 extend longitudinally in the plane of the pressing plate 125. Each slot 127 extends longitudinally along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent slots 127.

[0096] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent slits 127 is determined according to the dimensions of the alveolar patterns of the honeycombs 400 present in the cavity 102 of the receptacle 101.

[0097] Slots 127 can be made through the pressing plate 125 so that the distance D between two slots 127 is less than the diameter of a honeycomb pattern 400. This distance D advantageously allows the honey 401 to be extracted from each cell of the honeycombs 400 without the honey having to move through the adjacent cells.

[0098] Slots 127 can also be made through the pressing plate 125 so that the width L of each slot is less than the diameter of a honeycomb pattern 400. This maximum width ensures that at least a portion of each cell is crushed by the pressing plate 125. Advantageously, this maximum width also ensures that a cell cannot pass through a slot 127 as the pressing plate 125 moves through the honeycombs 400. Without breaking the cell, it is then impossible to extract the honey from that cell. A slot width less than the diameter of a honeycomb pattern advantageously guarantees that each cell is broken.

[0099] Preferably, the width L of each slit and the distance D between two adjacent slits 127 are less than the diameter of a honeycomb pattern. This example allows both the crushing and breaking of each cell in the honeycombs 400 and the direct extraction of honey from each cell, limiting the lateral movement of the honey to reach a slit 127 or exit opening.

[0100] In one embodiment, the width of each slot 127 and / or the distance between two adjacent slots 127 is less than 5.5 mm. Preferably, the width of each slot 127 and / or the distance between two adjacent slots 127 are approximately 3 mm.

[0101] In the embodiment where the receptacle 101 includes alveolar primers 111, the width L of each slot 127 and / or the distance D between two adjacent slots 127 may be less than the diameter of a pattern of the alveolar primers.

[0102] The pressure block 105 can also fulfill a filtering function when the width L of the slots is small enough to retain at least some of the wax debris from the crushed alveolar structure.

[0103] As illustrated in Figure 2, the pressing plate 125 can comprise two rows of slots 127. The two rows of slots 127 can be separated by a central portion 128 of the pressing plate 125. The central portion 128 helps to reinforce the rigidity and robustness of the pressing plate 125, in particular by reducing the stresses experienced between two slots 127.

[0104] In an embodiment illustrated in the cross-section of Figure 3A, the pressing plate 125 includes at least one cutting element 130. The cutting element 130 is advantageously arranged to break the honeycomb cells. The cutting element 130 is also arranged to guide the honey towards the outlet opening(s) or the slot(s) 127. The cutting element thus advantageously facilitates the breaking of the wax structure forming the honeycomb cells during pressing.

[0105] Preferably, the cutting element 130 is arranged on the lower surface of the pressing plate 125 to be in contact with the honeycombs 400 during the progression of the pressing block 105 in the receptacle 101.

[0106] The cutting element 130 can be arranged between two adjacent slots 127. This configuration advantageously guides the honey towards the two adjacent slots 127 in the middle of which the cutting element 130 is positioned. The cutting element 130 can extend longitudinally along the lower surface of the pressing plate 125, preferably between two adjacent slots 127.

[0107] In one embodiment, the pressing plate 125 comprises a plurality of cutting elements 130 each arranged between two adjacent slots 127.

[0108] Figure 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pressing plate in which the cutting elements comprise a plurality of spikes. The spikes 2001 can be separated by openings 2002. Preferably, each spike 2001 is separated from an adjacent spike by an opening 2002. This embodiment advantageously improves the perforation of the honeycombs and enhances honey extraction. In the embodiment where the receptacle 101 comprises honeycomb nuclei 111, the distance of the openings between two adjacent spikes and / or the distance between two adjacent spikes can be less than the diameter of a motif of the honeycomb nuclei.

[0109] In one embodiment, the space between two adjacent cutting elements 130 is less than or substantially equal to the length of the honeycomb patterns present in the receptacle cavity. Preferably, the space between two adjacent cutting elements 130 is less than or substantially equal to the length of the honeycomb nucleus patterns.

[0110] Filter block

[0111] In one embodiment, the honey extraction device 1 may also include a filter block 300 (or filtration block).

[0112] The filter block 300 includes a filter 303 (or filtration surface). The filter 303 is arranged to cooperate with the pressing plate 125. Preferably, the filter block 300 is designed to filter honey 401 that has passed through at least one outlet opening of the pressing plate 125.

[0113] The filter 303 can be fixed to the pressing plate 125. Alternatively, the filter block 300 is mobile within the pressing block 105.

[0114] The filter block 300 may include side walls 306 for guiding its translation within the press block 105. The side walls 306 of the filter block 300 are also designed to prevent honey that has passed through the slots 127 of the press block 105 from passing over the filter 303 unfiltered. The filter 303 includes a plurality of openings 310 for filtering the extracted honey through the press plate 125. These openings 310 may be circular in shape.

[0115] In one embodiment, the distance between the center of two adjacent openings 310 is equal to or less than the diameter of a honeycomb pattern 400 present in the receptacle 101 and / or the diameter of the honeycomb priming pattern 111 of the receptacle 101. Preferably, the distance between the center of two adjacent openings 310 is between 3 mm and 7 mm or between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0116] In one embodiment, the diameter of an opening 310 of the filter 303 is less than the diameter of an alveolar pattern of the honeycombs present in the receptacle 101. Preferably, the diameter of the openings 310 of the filter 303 is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm.

[0117] The filter 303 allows the honey extracted by the press block 105 to be filtered and allows the wax debris from the alveolar structure to be advantageously retained sufficiently small to pass through the slots 127 of the press block 105.

[0118] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 15, the press block includes a filter 303 as described above attached to the press plate 125. The filter 303 includes circular openings arranged at the center or substantially at the center of the slots or at the center of the cutting elements for filtering the honey passed through the press plate 125.

[0119] Thrust module

[0120] In one embodiment, the honey extraction device 1 includes a pushing module.

[0121] An example of a thrust module is shown in Figure 5. The thrust module allows the translation of the pressure block 105 within the cavity 102 of the receptacle 101.

[0122] The thrust module may include a cover 200. The cover 200 covers the upper opening 103 of the receptacle 101. The cover 200 preferably includes a contact surface 205 to cause the movement of the pressure block 105.

[0123] The lid 200 may also include side walls 206. The side walls 206 of the lid 200 cover the side walls 109 of the receptacle 101. Such a lid 200 advantageously allows the receptacle 101 to be hermetically sealed as the press block 105 moves through it. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the honey 401 extracted through the press block 105 (and optionally the filter 303) can be stored in the receptacle 101, between the press block 105 and the lid 200.

[0124] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the cover 200 is designed to be able to bring the contact surface 205 of the cover 200 into contact with the end 129 of the side walls 126 of the pressure block 105. A push on the cover 200 can thus be transmitted to the pressure block 105 and causes it to move within the receptacle 101.

[0125] Advantageously, using the cover 200 to exert pressure on the end 129 of the side walls 126 of the pressure block 105 increases the contact area with the user's hand, thus optimizing the pressure and reducing user discomfort. This also allows the movement of the pressure block 105 to be initiated without having to press on the pressing plate 125.

[0126] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the contact surface 205 of the lid 200 is affixed to the end 305 of the side walls 306 of the filter block 300. The movement of the filter block 300 then causes the movement of the press block 105 within the receptacle 101.

[0127] In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the press block 105 and the filter block 300 are designed so that the ends 129, 305 of their side walls 126, 306 are both in contact with the contact surface 205 of the lid 200 when the filter block 300 is inserted into the press block 105 and the filter 303 is abutting against the pressing plate 125. This embodiment advantageously allows the lid 200 to be used to insert the filter block into the press block.

[0128] In one embodiment, the lid 200 includes an opening (not shown) optionally equipped with a pouring spout for pouring the extracted honey 401 which is located between the press block 105 and the lid 200.

[0129] Another example of a thrust module is shown alone in Figure 14 and in conjunction with the receptacle and the pressure block in Figures 12 and 13. In this example, the thrust module 500 comprises a first part designed to cover the side walls of the pressure block 125, the filter block, and / or the receptacle, and a second part designed to be inserted into the pressure block 105 and / or the filter block 300. The second part of the thrust module 500 is designed so that its lower end abuts against the pressing plate 125 or the filter 303 when the thrust module is inserted. In this way, the force exerted on the thrust module is transmitted directly to the filter 303 or the pressing plate. The stresses on the side walls are thus advantageously reduced. The 500 thrust module may also include a 501 passage channel for the passage of extracted honey through the 125 pressing plate.The thrusting module may also include guide walls 503. These guide walls direct the honey towards the pressing channel 125. Advantageously, such walls 503 reduce honey leakage between the side walls of the press block and the thrusting module. Preferably, the guide walls 503 extend from the lower end 502 of the thrusting module 500 to the passage channel 501. In one embodiment, the lower end 502 of the thrusting module 500 extends around the periphery of the second part of said module 500. The guide walls 503 are inclined relative to the plane of the pressing plate 125 to facilitate the guidance of the honey towards the passage channel 501. The passage channel extends to an outlet 504 arranged on the bearing surface of the thrusting module 500.The exhaust 504 may include a spout or a valve (not shown) to more easily control the flow of the extracted honey 401. In one embodiment, the guide walls form a cone or a pyramid whose base is a polygon, preferably a regular polygon, and the passage channel 501 is arranged at the apex of said cone or pyramid. In the example illustrated in Figure 14, the base of the pyramid formed by the guide walls 503 is a regular hexagon. Figure 12 illustrates a single passage channel 501. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of passage channels 501 may be arranged through the thrust module 500. The channels may join together to all open onto the same exhaust 504.

[0130] Heating method

[0131] In one embodiment, the extraction device 1 includes a heating means 140. The heating means 140 warms the honeycombs 400 in the receptacle 101, thereby reducing the viscosity of the honey in the combs. This facilitates the extraction of the honey 401 through the pressing tray 125 (and optionally through the filter 303), and advantageously reduces the pressure required by the user to extract the same quantity of honey. The heating means 140 may include a resistor or a Peltier element. The resistor may include a longitudinally extending resistive wire. The extraction device 1 may include a power supply for the heating means or a location for such a power supply. The device 1 may also include a means for connecting to the mains power supply for the heating means 140.

[0132] The heating means 140 can be designed to heat the honeycombs at least above a predetermined temperature, for example 35 or 40°.

[0133] As illustrated in Figure 2, the press block 105 may include the heating means 140. The heating means 140 may extend over at least part of the length of the central portion 128 of the press plate 125. The heating means 140 may also be arranged on the press block 300, on the lid 200 or on the receptacle 101 so as to heat the honeycombs 400 present in the receptacle 101.

[0134] Ventilation windows

[0135] The invention also relates to an extraction device comprising a capsule containing at least one honeycomb. The capsule includes a frame forming a central cavity and extending from a first end to a second end. The first end of the capsule includes a first opening. Furthermore, the extraction device includes a movable pressure block within the cavity for pressing the honeycombs, and a second opening arranged to extract the honey from the capsule and to retain the wax from the honeycombs. In one embodiment, at least one first lateral wall of the frame includes at least one ventilation window. The ventilation window advantageously allows fluidic communication between the central cavities of several adjacent capsules.In one embodiment, at least one second side wall opposite the first side wall includes at least one ventilation window arranged similarly to the ventilation window of the first side wall. This embodiment advantageously allows the ventilation windows of two identical capsules placed edge to edge to cooperate. In one embodiment, the capsule includes an insertion plug designed for inserting a honeycomb starter into the cavity. In one embodiment, the extraction device includes at least one cover for concealing the ventilation windows. In one embodiment, the second end of the capsule further includes a bee passage opening and a cover for concealing said bee passage opening. In one embodiment, the frame includes at least one portion having a quadrilateral, triangular, or hexagonal cross-section.

[0136] In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 16A and 16B, a capsule 1000 includes at least one ventilation window 1006. A capsule is intended to be inserted into a beehive so that the bees build the honeycombs inside said capsule 1000.

[0137] The ventilation window 1006 is arranged on the side walls 1001 of the capsule 1000.

[0138] Two capsules 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention are illustrated in Figure 16B. The side walls 1001 of the capsules 1000 are arranged edge to edge. Each ventilation window 1006 of a side wall in contact with another capsule 1000 communicates with the ventilation window 1006 of the adjacent capsule 1000. The ventilation windows 1006 advantageously allow fluidic communication between the central cavities 1002 of several adjacent capsules 1000.

[0139] One advantage of the 1006 ventilation window is that it allows bees to move from one 1000 capsule to another, making their work of building honeycombs more efficient. Another advantage of the 1006 ventilation window is that it allows air to circulate between the 1000 capsules and ventilates the developing honeycombs, promoting nectar dehydration.

[0140] In one embodiment, each side wall 1001 of the frame includes at least one ventilation window 1006 arranged similarly to the ventilation windows 1006 of the other side walls 1001 of the same capsule 1000. This advantageously allows, when the capsules 1000 are placed edge to edge, for communication to be created between the ventilation windows 1006 of adjacent capsules. In one embodiment, the capsule 1000 includes at least one portion comprising said ventilation windows 1006 and having a quadrilateral, triangular, or hexagonal cross-section. An advantage of such shapes is that they allow for the creation of a network of edge-to-edge capsules. The free volume for the bees is thus increased. Honey production is therefore increased, and the risk of swarming is reduced.

[0141] The ventilation windows 1006 of the capsules 1000 at the ends of a network of adjacent capsules can be blocked by the beekeeper before being introduced into the hive, thus preventing the exit of bees from the capsule cavities through the ventilation windows 1006.

[0142] The 1006 ventilation windows have a surface area greater than 1.5 cm 2 The 1006 windows must indeed be large enough to prevent bees from blocking these openings with propolis.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Extraction device (1) comprising: ■ a honey receptacle (101); ■ a movable press block (105) within the honey receptacle (101) and comprising a press plate (125) for pressing honeycombs (400) present in the honey receptacle; said press plate (125) comprising at least one outlet opening (127) for extracting the honey (401) from the honeycombs (400) through the press plate (125).

2. Extraction device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a thrust module (200) for engaging the movement of the press block (105) in the receptacle (101).

3. Extraction device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one outlet opening (127) of the pressing plate (125) comprises at least one slot arranged in the plane of the pressing plate (125).

4. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressing plate (125) includes at least one cutting element (130) for breaking the honeycomb cells and for guiding the honey towards at least one outlet opening (127).

5. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a heating means (140) for heating the honey to a predetermined temperature.

6. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receptacle (101) comprises cooperation means (22) for superimposing receptacles (101) two by two and in that the side walls (109) of two superimposed receptacles (101) form accesses (21) for the passage of bees inside a receptacle (101).

7. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receptacle (101) comprises alveolar primers (111).

8. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a filtration block (300) comprising a filtration surface (303) arranged to filter the honey (401) passing through the outlet opening (127).

9. Extraction device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the thrust module (200) is designed to cover the receptacle (101) so as to retain the extracted honey (401) between the press block and the thrust module.

10. Extraction device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the thrust module includes an orifice for the flow of the extracted honey (401) out of the receptacle (101).