Beverage extraction unit with movable outflow obstruction

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage extraction unit (1) for extracting a beverage from a replaceable single-portion capsule (2) containing a beverage ingredient and configured with a flow restriction member for extracting the capsule under different beverage pressure and flow conditions. The invention also relates to a beverage machine comprising the extraction unit.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage extraction using exchangeable portion capsules in beverage extraction devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved extraction unit which can extract beverage ingredients contained in a capsule, such as roasted and ground coffee, in particular according to different possible selectable extraction modes involving a high beverage flow or a low beverage flow, depending on the selected mode. Background technology:

[0002] It is well known to prepare beverages by extracting extractable ingredients, such as brewable ingredients, for example roast and ground coffee and / or tea, contained in portion containers, such as capsules, pods or sachets.

[0003] EP0512468 relates to a capsule having a cup-shaped body and a tearable beverage outlet membrane. The membrane is typically a thin aluminum film that tears against a tear-away extraction plate of a beverage extraction device, such as described in EP0512470.

[0004] EP0512470 relates to a system for extracting coffee using a beverage extraction unit with a tear-away extraction plate, the system comprising a plurality of raised elements and channels therebetween (referred to as "flow grids and embossed surface elements"), the system being adapted to receive a sealed capsule to introduce water under pressure into the capsule via a water injector, deforming an outlet membrane or cover (e.g. an aluminium film) and tearing the outlet membrane or cover under the action of the pressure of the liquid rising in the capsule to allow the beverage to be released from the capsule.

[0005] EP0602203 relates to a sealed flexible pouch in the form of a separate portion suitable for extraction under pressure, containing at least one powdered substance for preparing a beverage such as roasted and ground coffee; the pouch comprises two identical flexible sheets of circular, oval or polygonal shape providing a space for the substance between each other and sealed on their periphery so that the pouch is substantially symmetrical relative to its sealing plane, the pouch opening under the effect of an increase in pressure in the pouch when an extraction fluid is injected.

[0006] EP0870457 relates to an extraction unit similar to EP0512470 but adapted to contain a closed impermeable pouch containing coffee substance, such as described in EP0602203. The device comprises an upper member comprising means intended to perforate the upper surface of the pouch and allow water to be introduced into the pouch; a lower member having a receptacle for containing a capsule and raised and hollow portions; wherein the extraction surface of the pouch is gradually and locally pulled against the raised and hollow portions; the extraction surface is torn at a plurality of locations according to a path predetermined by the position of the raised and hollow portions and where its rupture tension is reached in order to allow the liquid to flow after extraction. The lower part generally comprises flow holes allowing the beverage to flow therethrough. The raised and hollow portions are preferably in the form of truncated pyramids separated by a network of channels.

[0007] Therefore, the beverage extraction system of the prior art generally utilizes a replaceable capsule (e.g., a rigid capsule, a pouch or a flexible pod), which includes a beverage outlet film (e.g., a thin aluminum foil) that can be torn, and the beverage outlet film can be torn only when the film is fully deformed against the raised element of the tearing plate. The tearing generally occurs at the edge of the raised element, which is generally a plurality of small truncated pyramids or linear ridges. The tearing causes the formation of small orifices along the edge of these raised elements. These orifices are relatively small (e.g., 0.1mm-1.0mm long and 0.1mm-0.3mm wide), and generally the outlet film is at least partially conformed to the top side and upper side of the raised element, thereby even more reducing the flow opening area. Therefore, the pressure drop at this interface is relatively high. In addition, the filtration of coffee particles occurs at this restricted interface, which is an advantage because no additional filter is required inside the capsule. Therefore, this extraction geometry corresponds to the geometry of the extraction plate that can be generally referred to as having raised elements in the present application. The beverage flow is then collected in the channel and discharged through a small opening of clear size in the channel.

[0008] In known systems of the prior art, flow rates and pressures are determined by the inherent characteristics of the capsule and the performance of the pump.

[0009] The back pressure is highly dependent on the compaction of the ground coffee in the capsule. For the same coffee blend, the variability of the pressure can be very high. Specifically, for certain coffee blends, in particular, in low particle sizes, the pressure can vary from 5 bar to 15 bar. Summary of the invention:

[0010] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a beverage extraction unit that solves at least some of the problems encountered with prior art units.

[0011] Another preferred object of the present invention is to provide a beverage extraction unit wherein the beverage flow and / or pressure for extracting the capsule can be varied without changing the capsule type or the type or performance of the pump.

[0012] It is a further preferred object of the present invention to provide a beverage extraction unit wherein the variability of the pressure used to extract a given type of capsule can be reduced.

[0013] The invention relates to a beverage extraction unit for extracting a beverage from a replaceable capsule containing beverage ingredients, such as roast and ground coffee or tea leaves, and comprising a liquid inlet wall, a beverage outlet membrane and optionally a circumferential flange, such as a flange to which and / or at which the membrane is sealed.

[0014] This unit includes:

[0015] -frame,

[0016] - an injection member for receiving the liquid of the capsule into the wall and comprising at least a water outlet for injecting water into the capsule, and

[0017] - an extraction member which delimits with the injection member an extraction chamber in which the capsule is accommodated during extraction, the extraction member and the injection member being relatively movable to open and close the extraction chamber, optionally at said flange of the capsule, the capsule being insertable into and / or removable from the opened extraction chamber, and the capsule being extractable when accommodated in the closed extraction chamber.

[0018] The extraction member comprises an extraction plate having a plurality of beverage outlets for allowing beverage to flow through the extraction plate.

[0019] The extraction component also includes a flow restricting member, which is arranged in a movable manner relative to the extraction plate between a standard outflow position and a reduced outflow position, in which the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet is reduced compared with the standard outflow position by blocking a part of the beverage outlet, and the blocked outlet is partially or completely closed.

[0020] Thus, the extraction unit of the invention may be configured to allow variation of flow and pressure conditions of beverage extraction, so that the extraction result may be better controlled and becomes less dependent on the flow and pressure conditions determined by the capsule. Thus, pressure variability is reduced.

[0021] The flow rate may be reduced by one or more flow restriction surfaces placed close to at least some of the beverage outlets, thereby reducing the flow rate leaving the beverage outlets. The variation of flow and pressure conditions remains relatively simple and low cost, since the invention may be implemented in existing extraction devices without changing the beverage extraction principle.

[0022] The flow restriction member is movable relative to the extractor plate between a standard outflow position in which substantially all of the beverage outlets remain open and at least one reduced outflow position in which the flow restriction member selectively blocks a portion of the beverage outlets.

[0023] The flow restriction member may remain fixed relative to the extraction plate during the entire extraction process of the capsule in the closed extraction chamber. Alternatively, the restriction member may move relative to the extraction plate during the extraction process, for example, the restriction member prevents or substantially inhibits the flow of beverage from the beverage outlet during an initial pre-wetting phase of the ingredients in the capsule, and then the restriction member moves to a position allowing beverage to flow through at least some of the beverage outlets of the extraction plate.

[0024] Thus, the advantage obtained is that the pressure conditions can be changed accordingly by a simple relative movement arrangement at the extraction part.Thus, the pressure can be increased, but at the same time the variability of the pressure can be reduced by adopting a flow restriction member that reduces the outflow position.

[0025] The extractor plate may include a plurality of raised elements configured to provide orifices in the outlet membrane. For example:

[0026] - providing an orifice in the outlet membrane before injecting water into the extraction chamber; and / or

[0027] - by a pressure increase in the capsule caused by injection of water (eg at a capsule inlet pressure in the range of 5 to 20 bar, such as 8 to 15 bar) so as to push the outlet membrane against the plurality of raised elements, thereby providing an orifice in the outlet membrane.

[0028] If and when the pressure at the capsule inlet is in the range of 5 to 20 bar, the pressure at the capsule outlet membrane may of course be lower, and even lower when the membrane is open.

[0029] The extraction member may not have any piercing and / or cutting elements for piercing and / or cutting the outlet membrane. For example: the orifice is preformed in the outlet membrane before the capsule is housed in the extraction chamber, e.g. when the capsule is manufactured; and / or the membrane is torn and / or destroyed by the pressure increase in the capsule caused by the injection of water, e.g. in order to open a pre-weakened portion of the membrane and / or to actuate a membrane opening element included in the capsule, thereby forming the orifice in the outlet membrane.

[0030] For example, the flow restriction member is arranged to be movable relative to an extractor plate which is substantially stationary relative to the frame during extraction so as to reduce beverage flow through the extractor plate by blocking a portion of the beverage outlet.

[0031] The flow restriction member may also be arranged for occupying at least two selectable reduced outflow positions, wherein the flow surface area is reduced by different values, eg the flow surface area in a first reduced position is lower than the flow surface area in a second flow reduced position.

[0032] The flow restriction member may be arranged to move translationally or rotationally or translationally and rotationally relative to the extraction plate between a standard outflow position and a reduced outflow position. For example, the extraction plate remains at least substantially stationary relative to the frame during extraction. For example, when the capsule is accommodated in the extraction chamber, the flow restriction member is relatively movable along a linear direction perpendicular to the outlet membrane of the capsule.

[0033] The flow restriction member may for example be shaped as a plunger having a base plate comprising a flow restriction surface connected to the drive shaft.Such an arrangement may be implemented in the extraction unit without complexity.

[0034] The flow restriction member may be arranged to move in a pivoting motion relative to the extractor plate, for example about a hinge or pivot point between the flow restriction member and the extractor plate or between the flow restriction member and the extractor component. For example, the hinge may be positioned to be aligned with or parallel to and offset from the transverse direction of the extractor plate. The hinge or pivot point may also be positioned perpendicular to the transverse direction of the extractor plate.

[0035] The flow restriction member may be arranged to change the relative position of the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet on the extractor plate. For example, the flow restriction member may be rotatably movable between the following positions:

[0036] a first standard outflow position and a second standard outflow position, the beverage outlets in the first standard position and the second standard position having substantially the same flow surface area, the blocked beverage outlet in the first standard outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second standard outflow position; and / or

[0037] - a first reduced outflow position and a second reduced outflow position, the beverage outlets in the first reduced outflow position and the second reduced outflow position having the same or different flow surface areas, the blocked beverage outlet in the first reduced outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second reduced outflow position.

[0038] It should be noted that the arrangement of the flow restriction member for movement relative to the extraction plate can take many variant forms, which can be selected according to the arrangement of the extraction device, such as the available space and the horizontal, vertical or inclined orientation of the extraction device. For example, the extraction device takes a horizontal orientation of the injection component and the extraction component, so that the container can be inserted between the components by gravity, such as described in EP1859713B1, EP2205133B1 or EP2608705B1. The extraction device can also be inclined, such as described in WO 2017 / 001644.

[0039] The extractor plate may be arranged to move in translation relative to a flow restricting member, the flow restricting member remaining at least substantially stationary relative to the frame during extraction.

[0040] In one mode, the flow restriction member comprises at least one continuous flow restriction surface arranged for blocking more than one beverage outlet at a time in the reduced outflow position.The flow restriction surface may for example take the form of a full or partial disc.

[0041] In another mode, the flow restriction member comprises a plurality of discrete flow restriction elements; each of the flow restriction elements being arranged to individually block the beverage outlet. The advantage is that a more effective blocking of the beverage outlet is ensured and the risk of leakage is reduced when it is desired to completely close the beverage outlet.

[0042] The flow restriction member may include a plurality of discrete flow restriction elements formed as raised elements extending from a base plate, such as the plunger described above. The raised elements may be shaped to individually engage in a complementary shaped recessed portion of the extractor plate in which the beverage outlet is embedded. Such an arrangement may provide increased resistance to fluid pressure and leakage.

[0043] To improve extraction consistency, the flow restriction surface or the discrete flow restriction element may be pressure responsive. For example, the restriction surface of the discrete flow restriction element is resiliently mounted, for example with a spring, and / or deforms elastically when deformed when compressed against the extraction plate during occlusion. For example, the flow restriction surface or the discrete flow restriction element may include or be made of rubber (e.g., silicone rubber EPDM) or a thermoplastic elastomer or a soft elastic plastic.

[0044] The raised element may have a variable compressible length and / or be elastically mounted with a variable elasticity. The variable length or elasticity makes it possible to change the number of blocked beverage outlets according to the level of compression of the element against the extractor plate. In order to block fewer beverage outlets, only the longer or harder mounted elements are compressed, and the shorter or softer mounted elements remain uncompressed or away from the outlet. In order to block more beverage outlets, both the longer / harder mounted elements and the shorter / softer mounted elements are compressed, but the longer / harder mounted elements are significantly more compressed than the shorter / softer mounted elements. Therefore, different outflow positions can be obtained by changing the position of the flow restriction member relative to the extractor plate.

[0045] The extraction device may further comprise at least one driving member, such as a piston, connected to the flow restriction member and the extractor plate so as to reduce or increase the flow surface area of ​​the extractor plate.

[0046] The drive member may be driven by any suitable drive arrangement working on mechanical and / or electrical and / or hydraulic principles. The drive member may be driven by a solenoid actuator, a hydraulic actuator or an electric motor such as a stepper motor. The drive member may be connected to the flow restriction member via a transmission such as a gear transmission and / or a cam transmission and / or a lever transmission.

[0047] The drive member may operate the flow restriction member independently of the pressure in the extraction chamber, for example to achieve a desired flow rate, such as a constant flow rate.

[0048] The drive member may operate the flow restriction member independently of the flow rate of beverage out of the extraction chamber, for example to achieve a desired pressure in the extraction chamber, such as a constant pressure or a pressure profile.

[0049] The drive member may operate the flow restriction member to simultaneously achieve a pressure in the extraction chamber within a desired pressure range and a flow rate of beverage out of the extraction chamber within a desired flow rate range.

[0050] The drive member may be arranged with control means, such as electrical and / or communication connection means, for control by a control unit of the beverage machine or by a remote control device, such as a mobile computer.

[0051] Another aspect of the invention relates to a beverage machine comprising a beverage extraction unit as described above. The machine comprises: a pump for supplying water to the extraction unit; a control unit configured to control the relative movement of the flow restriction member between a standard outflow position and a reduced outflow position, e.g. via one or the drive member; and optionally a thermal regulator, such as a heater and / or a cooler, e.g. a flow heater and / or a flow cooler, for thermally regulating the water supplied by the pump to the extraction unit.

[0052] The control unit may be configured to keep the flow restriction member and the extraction plate relatively stationary throughout the extraction of the beverage from the capsule in the extraction chamber.

[0053] The control unit may be configured to change the relative position of the flow restriction member and the extraction plate during extraction of beverage from the capsule in the extraction chamber.

[0054] The machine may be configured to keep the flow restriction member and the extraction plate relatively stationary throughout extraction of beverage from a capsule of the first type and to change the relative position of the flow restriction member and the extraction plate during extraction of beverage from a capsule of the second type.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a capsule for such a beverage machine.

[0056] The pressure is usually measured downstream of the pump and upstream of the water inlet, for example in the fluid line between the water inlet and the pump. The pressure in the extraction chamber or capsule may be reduced compared to such measured pressure by, for example, the presence of a non-return valve at the water inlet of the injection member and / or a restriction provided in the water inlet of the injection member, or by a piercing member engaged in the entry wall of the capsule, and / or by ingredients and / or other obstacles in the capsule. Description of the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 is a front plan view of an extraction unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the extraction unit along plane AA shown in , the extraction unit and the capsule are in a closed position;

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the extraction unit along plane AA shown in , the extraction unit and the capsule are in an open position;

[0060] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of the extraction unit is shown (notably the injection part and the capsule are omitted), with the flow restriction member in the standard outflow position;

[0061] Yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of the extraction unit is shown (notably the injection part and the capsule are omitted) with the flow restriction member in a reduced outflow position;

[0062] Figures 6 to 9 are different perspective views of a first example of a flow restricting member having a continuous flow restricting surface;

[0063] Figures 10 to 12are different views of a second example of a flow restriction member provided with a discrete flow restriction element;

[0064] Fig.13 Is in standard flow position Figures 10 to 12 A side view of a combination of a flow restriction member and an extractor plate;

[0065] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A front view of an extraction plate;

[0066] Fig.15 Is in standard flow position Figures 10 to 12 A perspective view of a combination of a flow restriction member and an extractor plate;

[0067] Fig.16 Shown in reduced outflow position Figures 10 to 12 A perspective view of a combination of a flow restriction member and an extractor plate;

[0068] Figures 17 to 19 is a view of a third example of a flow restricting member having a continuous flow restricting surface;

[0069] Fig. 20 The schematic diagram includes Figure 1 The beverage machine of the extraction unit shown;

[0070] Figure 21 to Figure 23 A fourth example of a rotationally operated flow restricting member is shown; and

[0071] Fig.24 Shown in Fig. 20 A replaceable capsule having a plurality of orifices after extraction in a beverage machine. Specific implementation method:

[0072] Relative to Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary extraction unit 1 according to the invention is described in a general manner. The unit 1 is arranged for receiving a replaceable capsule 2 containing a portioned ingredient such as roast and ground coffee.

[0073] In this example, the capsule 2 is a beverage ingredient capsule having a relatively rigid cup closed by a flexible outlet membrane. In a possible variation, the extraction unit may also be configured to receive a capsule formed as a flexible pod or pouch. The pod will typically be formed by a flexible wall. An example of a replaceable capsule 2 includes a liquid entry wall 3, a circumferential flange 4, and a beverage outlet membrane 5. The capsule may contain a dose of roasted and ground coffee. The beverage outlet membrane 5 is not liquid-permeable and must be perforated, cut, and / or torn to allow the beverage extract to pass through it. The beverage outlet membrane may be made of a laminate of aluminum or paper-polymer, paper-aluminum, or aluminum-polymer-paper. The beverage capsule may include a cup-shaped body forming a liquid entry wall 3 and a flange 4, to which the beverage outlet membrane 5 is welded. For example, the outlet membrane may be 30 μm to 50 μm thick, preferably about 40 μm thick (here the thickness is determined without considering possible embossing patterns). The pod may include two flexible walls sealed at the flange. The pod may be symmetrical along the plane of the flange, thereby providing the possibility of extracting the beverage from either of the two walls.Thus, depending on the orientation of the pod in the beverage extraction unit, one wall forms the entry wall and the other wall forms the beverage outlet membrane.

[0074] The extraction unit comprises a frame 6 , an injection component 7 and an extraction component 20 .

[0075] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the injection part 7 is arranged for receiving the liquid inlet wall 3 of the capsule and for supplying water in the extraction chamber 8 when the beverage extraction unit is closed. The injection part 7 comprises at least one water outlet 9 for injecting water. The injection part may typically comprise a cage 10 forming a chamber for receiving the liquid inlet wall and may comprise a perforating member 11 for perforating the liquid inlet wall 3 of the capsule 2. The perforating member 11 may be a blade or a needle protruding from the bottom of the chamber of the cage 10. A circumferential pressing edge 12 may be provided at the front end of the cage 10 for closing the extraction chamber 8 onto the flange 4 of the capsule and for pressing the flange against the extraction part 20. The extraction chamber 8 may be delimited by the chamber of the cage 10 of the injection part 7 up to the pressing edge 12. The extraction unit 1 typically comprises a water line 15 for supplying water to the water outlet 9. A water heater 16 may be provided to the extraction unit to heat the water to a suitable temperature for extracting the beverage ingredients of the capsule 2. The injection part 7 of the unit 1 may be provided with a chamber adapted to capsules having a flange of a given diameter. The flange diameter generally determines the compatibility of the capsule pressed by the injection part against the extraction part. However, the injection part may also be arranged in an expandable manner to adapt the extraction chamber to capsules of different diameters and / or lengths, such as described in EP2906092, EP2906093 or EP2908706.

[0076] In this embodiment, the injection member 7 can be mounted in a static or slightly movable manner relative to the frame 6, and the extraction member 20 can be mounted in a movable manner so that in the open position ( Figure 3 ) and a closed position in which the extraction chamber 8 is formed ( Figure 2 ). The extraction part 20 can be guided laterally in the frame 6, such as by guide rails 75 or the like. The extraction part 20 can be driven between an open position and a closed position by a motorized or manual drive assembly 17. In a possible variant, the injection part 7 can be mounted in a movable manner relative to the frame 6, and the extraction part 20 can be made fixedly mounted relative to the frame.

[0077] In the open position, the injection member 7 is away from the extraction member 20 to allow the capsule 2 to be inserted into the insertion channel 40 into the extraction unit ( Figure 3 ). To this end, the extraction member 20 may include a slide 19 or be associated with the slide (for example, two lateral sliding grooves). Figure 4 As is apparent from the drawing, the extraction member may comprise or be associated with an opening 80 having a shape corresponding to that of the capsule to allow the capsule 2 to be inserted into the slide 19 and to pass along the passage 40. The extraction member may also comprise or be associated with a stop means 81, such as a stop means positioned in or at the slide 19, for stopping the capsule in the passage 40 when the extraction unit 1 is in the open position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the extraction part and the injection part are allowed to move relative to each other together and accommodate the capsule ( Figure 2 ). Other capsule handling arrangements may also be used. Almost any capsule loading and unloading arrangement may be used to implement the present invention.

[0078] The extraction means 20 comprises an extraction plate 21 configured to interface with the beverage outlet membrane of the capsule in the closed position of the extraction unit. The extraction plate may be arranged in such a way that when the capsule is in position and the extraction unit is in the closed position of the injection means and the extraction means, the outlet membrane is in contact with the extraction plate ( Figure 2 and Fig. 20 ). The extraction part has a beverage outlet 22 for discharging the liquid beverage extract flowing out of the capsule during extraction. The beverage outlet 22 can be provided by the extraction plate 21.

[0079] like Fig.14As shown, the number of beverage outlets 22 and their size can vary. In a preferred mode, the number of outlets is about 10 to 30, such as 15 or 20 to 25, for example 24, and their diameter is in the range of about 0.1 mm to 1 mm, such as 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, for example 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. The diameter is small enough so that the outlet, which may cooperate with the opened or open membrane 5 of the capsule, filters coffee particles to at least substantially prevent such particles from passing from the chamber 8 through the extraction plate 21.

[0080] like Figure 3 and Fig. 20 As shown, the extraction member 20 can be associated with a beverage guide 18 downstream of the extraction plate 21 to guide the beverage extract from the beverage outlet 22, for example via a collector 25 having an outlet 24 of the extraction member 20. The guide can be used to distribute the beverage to a beverage receiver ( Fig. 20 ), such as to cups or mugs, and to collected waste ( Figure 3 ), for example in a waste collector associated with the extraction unit 1, for example inside the machine 100. The guide guide 18 may include a dispensing outlet at one end for directing the beverage extract to a receptacle, such as Fig. 20 As shown, and includes a discharge edge at the opposite end for directing the residue from the outlet 22 to a waste collector, such as Figure 3 The guide member 18 is pivotable between a beverage dispensing position, in which the liquid received in the guide member 18 is transferred to the dispensing outlet of the guide member, and a residue collecting position, in which the liquid received in the guide member 18 is transferred to the discharge edge of the guide member ( Figure 3 and Fig. 20 ). The guide guide 18 and / or collector 25 (when present) may include additional features such as a steam extractor, a flow divider, an additional collector, a distributor, and / or a defoamer.

[0081] The extraction plate 21 may comprise a plurality of raised or embossed elements 26 configured to open the outlet membrane 5 of the capsule by forming an aperture therein. For example, the number and shape of the raised elements are determined for perforating, e.g. tearing and / or cutting, the outlet membrane of the capsule. The aperture 91 is provided in the outlet membrane by the elements 26 before water is injected into the extraction chamber 8, e.g. when the extraction member 20 and the injection member 7 are relatively moved together; and / or by the pressure increase in the capsule caused by the injection of water (e.g. at a capsule injection pressure in the range of 5 bar to 20 bar, such as 8 bar to 15 bar), so as to push the outlet membrane against the plurality of raised elements 26, thereby providing the aperture 91 in the outlet membrane by the elements 26.

[0082] The pressure is also highly dependent on the puncture resistance of the outlet membrane and thus on the material and thickness of the outlet membrane.

[0083] The extraction member may not have any piercing and / or cutting elements for piercing and / or cutting the outlet membrane. Optionally: the orifice is preformed in the outlet membrane before the capsule is housed in the extraction chamber, e.g. when the capsule is manufactured; and / or the membrane is torn and / or destroyed by the pressure increase in the capsule caused by the injection of water, e.g. in order to open a pre-weakened portion of the membrane and / or actuate a membrane opening element included in the capsule, thereby forming the orifice in the outlet membrane.

[0084] The extraction plate may have a peripheral support portion 41 without the raised element 26 for supporting the flange of the capsule (when present) in place in the unit. The extraction plate is generally generally disc-shaped, possibly equipped with protruding assembly parts. The extraction plate may be a transversely rigid part, i.e., without axially movable peripheral parts and / or a movable central part. For example, the extraction plate is made of a substantially integral part.

[0085] The extraction component 20 comprises a flow restriction member 27 which is movably arranged relative to the extraction plate 21. Thus, when the restriction member 27 moves relative to the extraction plate 21, the restriction member 27 or the extraction plate or both can move relative to the frame 6.

[0086] The flow restriction member can be used to reduce the flow surface area formed by the plurality of beverage outlets 22 of the extractor plate by blocking the plurality of beverage outlets for reducing the beverage flow area through the extractor plate. The flow rate can be reduced by partially closing some or all beverage outlets and leaving other beverage outlets fully open. The flow rate can be reduced by fully closing some beverage outlets and partially closing other beverage outlets and / or leaving other beverage outlets unblocked.

[0087] When the beverage outlet is blocked by the action of the flow restriction member, a resulting back pressure is created upstream of the extractor plate.

[0088] consider Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the flow restriction member 27 can be moved between a flow reduction position and a free or standard position by a drive member 30. The drive member can be arranged to move the restriction member relative to the extraction plate in a translation direction, for example, between two positions. To this end, the shaft 77 of the restriction member 27 can be guided to translate along the guide opening 42 of the extraction component, for example, its front component. The drive member 30 can be driven by a solenoid actuator, a hydraulic actuator and / or an electric motor, for example a stepper electric motor, which can be connected to the shaft 77 of the base plate 28 of the restriction member or directly connected to the base plate. For example, the hydraulic piston can be actuated by the water pump of the beverage machine via a fluid pipeline, which is independent of the water injection into the injection component.

[0089] exist Figure 4 In the free or standard position shown, the restriction member 27 is moved away from the extraction plate and all beverage outlets 22 remain open. A distance of a few millimeters may be maintained between the outlet 22 and the restriction member 27 to prevent the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet 22 from being reduced.

[0090] exist Figure 5 In the flow reduction position shown, the flow restriction member 27 is in contact engagement with the extractor plate 21 for reducing the flow of beverage through the extractor plate 21. This position can be obtained by operating the drive member 30 to move the restriction member 27 against the extractor plate 21 until intimate contact is established. The restriction member 27 can have a flow restriction surface 43 that exerts a closing force on the rear portion of the extractor plate sufficient to resist fluid pressure during extraction and keep the beverage outlet blocked.

[0091] Figures 6 to 9 4 shows a flow restriction member 27A having a continuous restriction surface 43 which is smaller than the covering surface of the beverage outlet in the extraction plate. The base plate 28 of the restriction member may have the shape of a portion of a disk defining a cutout 45. The flow restriction surface 43 may block a determined number of beverage outlets, while the cutout is defined to leave open one or several unrestricted beverage outlets 270, such as Figure 5 and Fig.12 Thus, during extraction, the beverage flow is forced to exit through the unrestricted beverage outlet 270. For example, the restriction member may be designed to block a majority of the beverage outlets, such as 2 / 3 or more of the total number of outlets, such as 18 or 20 of the 24 outlets.

[0092] The flow restricting member 27A is rotationally movable between the following positions:

[0093] a first standard outflow position and a second standard outflow position, the beverage outlets in the first standard outflow position and the second standard outflow position having the same or at least substantially the same flow surface area, the blocked beverage outlet in the first standard outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second standard outflow position; and / or

[0094] - a first reduced outflow position and a second reduced outflow position, the beverage outlets in the first reduced outflow position and the second reduced outflow position having the same or different flow surface areas, the blocked beverage outlet in the first reduced outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second reduced outflow position.

[0095] like Figure 21 to Figure 23As shown, the flow restriction member 27A can be moved in the rotational direction R to shift the angular position of the cutout 45 relative to the extraction plate and correspondingly move the position of the unrestricted outlet 270 through which the beverage can flow. The position of the cutout 45 can be moved from an angle including, for example, between 0 and 180 degrees. Fig.21 In FIG. 1 , the position of the flow restriction member is viewed at 0 degrees by reference. In such a position, the cutout is in the lowest position and the open outlet 270 in the extractor plate is positioned in the lower half of the extractor plate. Fig. 22 In FIG. 1 , the flow restriction member has been rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the reference position. The cutout is in the middle position and the open beverage outlets 270 are equidistantly distributed below and above the centerline of the extraction plate. Fig.23 , the flow restriction member has been rotated 180 degrees in a clockwise direction relative to the reference position and the outlet 270, in which the cutout is open, is positioned at the highest position in the upper half of the extraction plate. Thus, the position of the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet can be varied while keeping the value of the area relatively constant. The change in the position of the flow surface area relative to the extraction plate may be important for changing extraction conditions such as coffee extraction rate, crema quality or other parameters. In particular, compared to the higher position ( Fig. 22 or Fig.23 ) compared to the lower opening surface position (such as Fig.21 The position of the coffee in the middle) can be beneficial to improve the coffee crema and / or reduce the extraction rate.

[0096] Obviously, the flow restriction member 27A can be moved at any possible angle value within the range of 0 to 360 degrees. The rotation can also be controlled in the direction opposite to the direction R. The surface of the cutout can also be changed to increase the number of outlets opened, or conversely, to reduce the number of outlets. For example, the substrate can include a first portion of a disk and a second portion of the disk defining the cutout. It should also be noted that the flow restriction member 27A can remain stationary (relative to the frame), and the extractor plate 21 can be rotated relative to the flow restriction member 27A. In another alternative form, both elements 27A, 21 can be rotated relative to each other and relative to the frame.

[0097] In which the extraction plate is Figure 5 In the upright orientation mode shown, the restricting member 27 may be arranged to block the upper beverage outlet 271 and to leave the lower beverage outlet 270 unblocked. The upper beverage outlet 271 is typically an outlet positioned above a horizontal plane B passing through the extraction plate. The horizontal plane may be located between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the vertical height of the extraction plate, more preferably between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3. The advantage is that the preferential water path naturally present through the coffee bed in the upper part of the capsule (when the capsule is positioned horizontally in the unit) can be successfully prevented and a more efficient coffee extraction can be obtained.

[0098] Figures 10 to 16 A flow restriction member 27B is shown having a plurality of discrete flow restriction elements 46. Each of the flow restriction elements may be arranged to individually block the flow of one beverage outlet. For example, the flow restriction element is formed by a protruding element extending from the base plate 28 at the front of the restriction member. The flow restriction element may be shaped to engage in a complementary shaped recessed portion 47 of the extractor plate leading to the beverage outlet 22 ( Fig.15 ). The recessed portion may widen outwardly to facilitate centering of the flow restriction element. The flow restriction element may be shaped to block the outlet 22 in a pressure-resistant and liquid-tight manner. Alternatively, the flow restriction element may partially close the outlet, thereby inhibiting flow therethrough.

[0099] The discrete flow restriction element may be pressure responsive. For example, element 46 may be made of a material capable of elastic deformation such as rubber (e.g., silicone, EPDM), TPA or a soft polymer. Alternatively, the element may be elastically mounted.

[0100] Fig.17 and Fig.18 A flow restriction member 27C is shown having a continuous restriction surface 43. The restriction surface may be sized to cover all beverage outlets of the extraction plate in the flow reduction position, such as Figure 8 The restriction surface can be kept at a minimum distance of the beverage outlet, for example about 0.05 mm, to ensure that the beverage flow passes through a small gap 44 between the extraction plate and the restriction member. The flow surface area created by this gap is smaller than the total surface area of ​​the beverage outlet, so that a significant back pressure and flow reduction is obtained.

[0101] exist Fig.17 and Fig.18 In the mode of the extraction plate, the flow restriction member can also be moved to abut against the surface of the extraction plate in a manner that ensures that the flow restriction surface 43 closes all beverage outlets 22. Such a fully closed position can be selected, such as for pre-wetting of ingredients in an operating capsule, and maintained for example for a few seconds. The flow restriction member can then be moved away from the extraction plate to keep all beverages open and unobstructed.

[0102] like Fig. 20As shown, the beverage machine 100 includes an extraction unit 1. The beverage machine generally includes a pump 34 and a control unit 35, the pump is used to supply water to the extraction unit, and the control unit is configured to control the relative movement of the flow restriction member (27, 27A, 27B, 27C), for example, via a drive member 30, the drive member moves the piercing member between two or more positions. The beverage machine may also include a water tank 36, for supplying water to the pump 34 via a fluid line 37. The machine may include a thermal regulator, such as a heater and / or a cooler, such as a flow heater and / or a flow cooler, for thermally regulating the water supplied to the extraction unit by the pump 34. The machine may include a water flow sensor 76 for measuring the flow rate of water fed to the injection part of the extraction unit. The flow rate measurement can be used to measure the volume of the feed water during a given beverage supply, and stop the pump when the desired volume (the volume required for super espresso, espresso, long cup coffee or American coffee, or the volume defined by the user) is reached, and / or for controlling the pump action (loop control of the pump) by the control unit during operation.

[0103] The beverage machine 100 may include a mode selector 38 for selecting the pressure and / or flow rate of the extraction unit. The mode selector 38 may, for example, include a physical or virtual button on a user interface. The mode selector may also be arranged at a distance from the coffee machine, such as on a remote user interface, such as a smartphone, etc. The mode selector may include at least one high pressure or reduced outflow extraction mode, in which the control unit operates the pump to supply water to the extraction unit while keeping the flow restriction member in a retracted position, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0104] The beverage machine may further comprise an electric motor 39 for automatically actuating the drive assembly 17 of the extraction unit between an open position and a closed position of the injection member relative to the extraction member. The motor 39 is typically controlled by the control unit 35 after the mode selector 38 has been selected by the user.

[0105] The control unit 35 is arranged to control the drive member 30 according to the extraction mode selected on the mode selector. In the reduced outflow extraction mode, the control unit actuates the drive member 30 to position the flow restriction member in the flow reduction position. The variability of the extraction pressure is advantageously reduced. In the standard extraction mode, the control unit actuates the drive member 30 in the opposite direction to position the flow restriction member in the free flow position (i.e., the standard outflow position) or to keep it in the free flow position, i.e., the flow restriction member is away from the extraction plate. The selection between the two positions can be determined according to the type of capsule inserted in the extraction unit (e.g., coffee blend characteristics). Such selection can be automatic, such as by identifying the type of capsule (e.g., identifying color, barcode, metal, label, etc.).

[0106] Of course, the machine 100 may be configured for more than two extraction modes by appropriately positioning suitable flow restriction members.

[0107] The control unit 35 may be configured to: keep the flow restriction member 27, 27A, 27B, 27C and the extraction plate 21 relatively stationary throughout the extraction of the beverage from the capsule 2 in the extraction chamber 8; and / or to change the relative position of the flow restriction member and the extraction plate during the extraction of the beverage from the capsule in the extraction chamber (e.g. to provide a pre-wetting step at the beginning of the extraction). The machine may be configured to keep the flow restriction member and the extraction plate relatively stationary throughout the extraction of the beverage from the first type of capsule, and to change the relative position of the flow restriction member and the extraction plate during the extraction of the beverage from the second type of capsule.

Claims

1. A beverage extraction unit (1) for extracting a beverage from a replaceable capsule (2), the replaceable capsule containing beverage ingredients and comprising a liquid inlet wall (3), a beverage outlet membrane (5), the beverage extraction unit comprising: - frame (6); - an injection member (7) for receiving the liquid entering the wall (3) of the capsule and comprising at least a water outlet (9) for injecting water into the capsule; and an extraction member (20) which delimits, with the injection member (7), an extraction chamber (8), in which the capsule (2) is accommodated during extraction, the extraction member (20) and the injection member (7) being relatively movable to open and close the extraction chamber, the capsule being insertable into and / or removable from the opened extraction chamber, and the capsule being extractable when accommodated in the closed extraction chamber, The extraction member (20) comprises an extraction plate (21) having a plurality of beverage outlets (22) for allowing the beverage to flow through the extraction plate (21), Characterized in that the extraction component (20) further comprises a flow limiting member (27, 27A, 27B, 27C), which is movably arranged relative to the extraction plate (21) between a standard outflow position and a reduced outflow position, in which the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet is reduced compared with the standard outflow position by blocking a portion of the beverage outlet, the blocked outlet being partially or completely closed, wherein during the extraction process in the reduced outflow position, beverage is allowed to flow through at least a portion of the beverage outlets of the extraction plate.

2. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 1, wherein the extraction plate (21) comprises a plurality of raised elements (26) configured to provide orifices (91) in the outlet membrane, wherein: - providing said orifice (91) in said outlet membrane by means of said raised element (26) before injecting water into said extraction chamber; and / or - The pressure in the capsule increases due to the injection of water so as to push the outlet membrane against the plurality of raised elements (26), thereby providing the orifice (91) in the outlet membrane through the raised elements (26).

3. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 2, wherein the extraction part does not have any piercing elements and / or cutting elements for piercing and / or cutting the outlet membrane, wherein: - said orifice being preformed in said outlet membrane before said capsule is housed in said extraction chamber; and / or - The orifice is formed in the outlet membrane by tearing and / or breaking the membrane due to the pressure increase in the capsule caused by the injection of water.

4. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the flow restricting member (27) is movable relative to the extraction plate (21) between a standard outflow position in which substantially all beverage outlets (22) remain open and at least one reduced outflow position in which the flow restricting member (27) selectively blocks a portion of the beverage outlet.

5. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member (27) is arranged for occupying at least two selectable reduced outflow positions, wherein the flow surface area of ​​the beverage outlet is reduced by different values.

6. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member (27) is arranged to move translationally or rotationally or translationally and rotationally relative to the extraction plate between the standard outflow position and the reduced outflow position, the extraction plate (21) remaining at least substantially stationary relative to the frame (6) during extraction.

7. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member is rotationally movable between the following positions: a first standard outflow position and a second standard outflow position, the beverage outlet in the first standard outflow position and the second standard outflow position having the same or at least substantially the same flow surface area, the blocked beverage outlet in the first standard outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second standard outflow position; and / or - a first reduced outflow position and a second reduced outflow position, the beverage outlets in the first reduced outflow position and the second reduced outflow position having the same or different flow surface areas, the blocked beverage outlet in the first reduced outflow position being different from the blocked beverage outlet in the second reduced outflow position.

8. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member (27A, 27B) comprises at least one continuous flow restriction surface (43), which is configured to block more than one beverage outlet in the reduced outflow position.

9. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member (27C) comprises a plurality of discrete flow restriction elements (46), each of which is arranged for blocking a single beverage outlet.

10. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 8, wherein the flow restriction surface (43) is pressure responsive.

11. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 9, wherein the discrete flow restriction element (46) is pressure responsive.

12. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 11, wherein the discrete flow restriction element (46) has a variable compressible length and / or is resiliently mounted with variable elasticity to vary the number of closed outlets depending on the level of compression of the raised element against the extraction plate.

13. A beverage extraction unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one driving member (30), which is connected to the flow limiting member (27) and the extraction plate (21) for moving the flow limiting member and the extraction plate relative to each other so as to reduce or increase the flow surface area of ​​the extraction plate.

14. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 13, wherein The driving member (30) is driven by a solenoid actuator, a hydraulic actuator and / or an electric motor.

15. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 1, wherein the capsule further comprises a circumferential flange (4) to which and / or at which the beverage outlet membrane (5) is sealed.

16. The beverage extraction unit according to claim 2, wherein the water is injected at a capsule injection pressure in the range of 5 bar to 20 bar.

17. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 3, wherein the orifice is pre-formed in the outlet membrane when manufacturing the capsule.

18. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 3, wherein the outlet membrane is torn and / or destroyed by a pressure increase in the capsule caused by injecting water so as to open a pre-weakened portion of the outlet membrane and / or actuate a membrane opening element included in the capsule, thereby forming the orifice in the outlet membrane.

19. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the flow restriction member (27) is movable into a pre-wetted position, in which the flow restriction member prevents or substantially inhibits the outflow of beverage from the beverage outlet.

20. A beverage extraction unit according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of discrete flow restriction elements (46) are formed as protruding elements extending from a base plate (28), and the protruding elements are shaped to individually engage in a complementary shaped recessed portion (47) of the extraction plate, in which the beverage outlet (22) is embedded.

21. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 10, wherein the flow restriction surface (43) is resiliently mounted and / or resiliently deforms when compressed against the extractor plate during blocking.

22. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 10, wherein the flow restriction surface (43) comprises or is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer or a soft elastic plastic.

23. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 11, wherein the discrete flow restriction element (46) is resiliently mounted and / or resiliently deforms when compressed against the extractor plate during blocking.

24. Beverage extraction unit according to claim 11, wherein the discrete flow restriction element (46) comprises or is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer or a soft elastic plastic.

25. Beverage machine (100) comprising a beverage extraction unit according to any preceding claim, the beverage machine comprising: a pump (34) for supplying water to the extraction unit; A control unit (35) is configured to control the relative movement of the flow restriction member (27, 27A, 27B, 27C) between the standard outflow position and the reduced outflow position via a drive member (30).

26. The beverage machine (100) of claim 25, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a thermal regulator for thermally regulating the water supplied by the pump (34) to the extraction unit.

27. The beverage machine (100) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to: - keeping the flow restriction member (27, 27A, 27B, 27C) and the extraction plate (21) relatively stationary throughout the extraction of the beverage from the capsule (2) in the extraction chamber (8); and / or - changing the relative position of the flow restriction member and the extraction plate during extraction of beverage from the capsule in the extraction chamber.

28. The beverage machine (100) according to claim 27, wherein the beverage machine is configured to keep the flow restricting member and the extraction plate relatively stationary throughout the extraction of the beverage from the first type of capsule, and to change the relative position of the flow restricting member and the extraction plate during the extraction of the beverage from the second type of capsule.

29. Use of a capsule (2) for extraction in a beverage machine (100) according to any one of claims 25 to 28.

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