Beverage system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (19) for adapting different types of ingredient capsules (2A, 2B) in a food or beverage preparation machine (1). The apparatus (19) is configured to be removably attached to an existing capsule holder (7) of the machine (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a beverage preparation machine suitable for receiving ingredient packets such as capsules. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus suitable for preparing beverages at the interface between the machine and the ingredient packet using existing machinery, but employing ingredient capsules with novel structural and functional principles. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of this invention, beverage preparation machines useful are typically of the type disclosed in the applicant's European patent EP2131704 B1. Such machines include a beverage machine housing with functional elements, including: a fluid source (the fluid will be referred to as water in the remainder of this patent specification), such as a water reservoir; a water pump; a water heater; and a set of water conduits. The machine also includes a brewing chamber for adapting ingredient containers, such as coffee capsules, said chamber being fluidly connected to the remainder of the functional elements such that water can be drawn into the chamber to mix with the ingredients contained in the capsule.

[0003] The existing machines of interest in this invention are multi-formulation beverage preparation systems involving different types of ingredients and capsules.

[0004] The first type of ingredient is roasted and ground coffee, which is extracted within the capsule by passing hot water through the coffee powder at a fluid pressure between 6 bar and 20 bar (relative pressure), preferably between 8 bar and 15 bar, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0005] The second type of ingredient is made from soluble powder, particularly milk powder (which may alternatively be tea-based, plant-based, herbal compositions, soups, chocolate-based preparations, etc.). Such soluble ingredients are dissolved by passing water (preferably heated) through the capsule at a fluid pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure (0 bar to 2 bar).

[0006] Due to differences in the nature of the ingredients and the fluid pressure required for beverage preparation, capsules for roasted and ground coffee and capsules for soluble coffee have different structures. The general principle remains the same, as described, for example, in EP 1472156 B1: the capsule comprises a cup defining a dispensing compartment; it is sealed at its top by a membrane pierceable by a machine injection plate adapted to inject pressurized water into the capsule; and it includes a pierceable dispensing wall at its bottom, which is opened by an opening device when pressure is built up within the capsule. However, the shape of the bottom opening device differs, and the pierceable dispensing wall has different thicknesses in roasted and ground or soluble capsules, such that the pressure required to open a soluble capsule is lower than that required to open a roasted and ground coffee capsule.

[0007] Furthermore, soluble ingredients, especially milk-based ingredients, are susceptible to bacterial growth; therefore, products prepared from them must not remain in contact with the beverage preparation machine after preparation, especially if the machine is not used for an extended period. Consequently, in existing capsules, the bottom of the capsule body preferably extends below the opening device to hold it in place, and to collect the beverage to a beverage outlet 25, which dispenses the beverage to the outside of the capsule 1, for example, into a cup. This bottom portion or dispensing channel of the capsule for collecting and dispensing the beverage prevents the product leaving the capsule from contacting the machine surface, instead allowing it to flow directly into the cup.

[0008] However, this dispensing channel represents a certain amount of capsule material. Furthermore, when the capsules contain roasted and ground coffee, this dispensing channel is unnecessary because the applicant has found that roasted and ground coffee significantly reduces or even eliminates the growth of such bacteria. In addition, to commit to reducing the amount of packaging used in capsule manufacturing and selecting new, environmentally sustainable packaging materials, as many improvements as possible are needed to the capsule's structure, shape, size, and constituent materials. The applicant has found that capsules for roasted and ground coffee can be simplified and redesigned by removing the dispensing channel and the opening mechanism typically integrated into the capsule (as described in EP 1472156B1); however, the main problem arising from doing so is providing a device that allows consumers to functionally use both types of capsules (for soluble capsules and for roasted and ground capsules), especially the newly improved capsules for coffee, without replacing existing machines.

[0009] The applicant encountered an additional problem when improving capsules to achieve even more sustainable packaging solutions, specifically when changing the constituent materials used to manufacture the capsules, particularly when using compostable or generally biodegradable polymers. More precisely, the environmental footprint was found to be particularly improved when using such biodegradable polymers as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), or polybutylene terephthalate adipate (PBAT), or similar compostable materials—a desirable outcome for the applicant; however, such materials have a detrimental effect on the mechanical strength of the capsules. The applicant has found that such materials are less rigid than conventional oil-based polymers, such as, for example, polypropylene. Therefore, capsules made from biodegradable materials deform during beverage preparation, and this deformation is exacerbated by the injection of water in hot water and by the increased pressure within the capsule. In the common condition where the capsule cup is made of polypropylene or a similar oil-based material, the seal between the capsule cup and the top membrane (through which water is injected) is clamped and held between the upper surface of the capsule holder of the machine and the lower surface of the water injection plate of the machine, as described in EP 2131 704B1. When the capsule is made of a biodegradable material such as, for example, PHA, the capsule deforms within the capsule holder during extraction, causing the upper portion of the edge of the capsule cup to which the upper membrane is sealed to to no longer be properly held. This results in delamination between the edge portion and the membrane, leading to undesirable leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the invention claimed in the appended claims solves the above-mentioned technical problem using a system for preparing food or beverage products, the system comprising:

[0011] - A machine comprising a fluid circulation device for circulating fluid into a capsule, a capsule retainer having a shell for holding the capsule, and an injection plate for injecting the fluid into a capsule compartment, the retainer and the plate being movable relative to each other to seal the capsule during food or beverage preparation when the edge and upper membrane are positioned between the capsule retainer and the plate.

[0012] - A type of capsule comprising a capsule body having sidewalls forming a dispensing compartment, an upper portion of a closed body and an upper membrane attached to an upper surface of an edge extending outward from the sidewall, and a bottom membrane of a lower portion of the closed body, the bottom membrane being openable by an opening device under pressure increase within the capsule compartment.

[0013] - A second type of capsule includes a lower rigid wall attached to a sidewall, such that a bottom membrane is located within the capsule compartment, above the upper surface of the rigid wall. The second type of capsule also includes a product dispensing channel connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall and a product dispensing conduit extending downward from the product dispensing channel. The upper surface of the lower rigid wall includes an opening device adapted to open the bottom membrane.

[0014] - A device for adapting a first type of capsule and a second type of capsule in a capsule holder of a food or beverage preparation machine, wherein the device includes:

[0015] The equipment plate has an attachment device to the capsule retainer.

[0016] An opening device, located on the upper surface of the device plate, protruding upward from the upper surface plane of the device plate, is adapted to open the bottom membrane of the first type of capsule to allow dispensing of the first type of food or beverage product.

[0017] A central through-hole, extending through the entire thickness of the plate, is used to receive a product dispensing conduit for the second type of capsule.

[0018] This system enables the production of capsules with reduced material content because the first type of capsule (which typically consists of roasted and ground coffee) does not have an opening device and the capsule body does not have a bottom section or dispensing channel for collecting and dispensing the beverage.

[0019] Preferably, the opening device is formed by at least one piercing element adapted to pierce the bottom membrane of the first type of capsule. More preferably, the bottom membrane is a thin film of suitable thickness for piercing. Additionally, advantageously, the piercing element is a pyramidal protrusion.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment device of the device plate to the capsule retainer is a device that allows for non-permanent, reversible attachment. In its simplest form, the attachment device may be a corresponding shape between the lower surface of the device plate and the bottom of the inner surface of the capsule retainer.

[0021] Therefore, the device used to fit the first and second type capsules in the capsule holder can be removed for cleaning and then repositioned in the capsule holder.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the central through-hole of the device is surrounded by a circular wall on the upper surface of the device plate, the circular wall protruding upward from the upper surface at a height at least equal to or higher than the height of the opening device.

[0023] The device plate according to the invention advantageously includes an outer peripheral plate edge extending horizontally and outwardly from the plate, the plate edge having a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device according to the invention further includes a support extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the device plate, the support engaging at its upper end an annular ring having a flat or O-ring cross-section (preferably, the annular ring is flat). Thanks to this annular ring, the leakage rate is reduced from up to 100% to 0-2%, depending on the machine type, which can be explained by the fact that when the machine is off, the ring increases the thickness of the capsule edge clamped between the injection plate and the capsule retainer. This increased thickness therefore also increases the closing force exerted by the injection plate and the capsule retainer, thereby preventing the upper membrane of the capsule from delaminating from the capsule edge. The annular ring preferably has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0025] Additionally, attaching the adapter to these supports prevents users from throwing it away with the used capsule when disposing of it in the trash. The supports also make the adapter more visible.

[0026] Advantageously, the device plate includes a plurality of through holes extending between its upper and lower sides and located between the piercing elements, the holes having a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.

[0027] The dispensing conduit of the second type of capsule preferably has an outer diameter between 2 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably between 4 mm and 5 mm. The larger the central conduit, the thicker the supporting wall required for the membrane.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the central through-hole of the device plate includes a valve (a plastic insert with a slit) adapted to open when a product dispensing conduit for a second type of capsule is inserted into the central through-hole, and adapted to re-close in a sealing manner when the conduit is not present.

[0029] Preferably, at least the capsule body is made of a compostable or biodegradable polymer, and preferably of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) and mixtures thereof.

[0030] In a second aspect, a device is provided for use in a system such as those described above, wherein the device comprises:

[0031] - Equipment plate, which has an attachment device to the capsule retainer.

[0032] - An opening device, located on the upper surface of the device plate, protruding upward from the upper surface plane of the device plate, is adapted to open the bottom membrane of the first type of capsule to allow dispensing of the first type of food or beverage product, and

[0033] The central through-hole of the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall on the upper surface of the device plate, the circular wall protruding upward from the upper surface at a height at least equal to or higher than the height of the opening device.

[0034] Preferably, the device plate includes an outer peripheral plate edge extending horizontally and outward from the plate, the plate edge having a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment, the adapter further includes at least three pillars extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the device board, the pillars engaging an annular ring at their upper ends.

[0036] In a third aspect, a kit is provided for use with a machine comprising a fluid circulation device for circulating fluid into a first-type or second-type capsule, a capsule retainer having a shell for holding the capsule, and an injection plate for injecting the fluid into a capsule compartment, the retainer and the plate being movable relative to each other to close the capsule.

[0037] The kit includes:

[0038] - Compatible devices, such as the aforementioned compatible devices, and

[0039] - Several type 1 capsules and / or several type 2 capsules.

[0040] "Several" refers to at least two. The number of capsules associated with a single adapter may depend on the mechanical strength of the adapter, or the necessity of replacing the adapter due to increased dirtiness caused by beverage residue buildup.

[0041] For example, the kit may include an opening device for 12 capsules.

[0042] The kit may include only type 1 capsules, only type 2 capsules, or a mixture of both types of capsules. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Further features and advantages of the invention are described below in the description of the presently preferred embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, and these features and advantages will be apparent from the description, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a partial cut-out perspective view of the beverage preparation machine using the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the beverage machine in the open position, showing the capsule holder (containing capsules) and the water dispensing unit;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a side view of the capsule retainer inserted into the water injection unit, in the open position, similar to... Figure 2 ;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a side view of the capsule retainer inserted into the water injection unit, in the closed position, similar to... Figure 3 ;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an ingredient capsule with a layered upper membrane;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a type I capsule;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the second type of capsule;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a perspective top view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 8 A perspective cut view of the first embodiment of the device;

[0053] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 The device shown is a side-cut view, functionally assembled into a first-type capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine;

[0054] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 The device shown is a side-cut view, functionally assembled into a second type of capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a perspective top view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 13 It is similar to Figure 12 A perspective cutaway view of a second embodiment of the device;

[0057] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 and Figure 13 The device shown is a side-cut view, functionally assembled into a first-type capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine;

[0058] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 and Figure 13 The device shown is a side-cut view, functionally assembled into a second type of capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine;

[0059] Figure 16 This is a perspective top view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

[0060] Figure 17 It is similar to Figure 16 A perspective cutaway view of the third embodiment of the device;

[0061] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 The device shown is a side-cut view, functionally assembled into a first-type capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine;

[0062] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 The image shows a side-cut view of the device, which is functionally assembled into a second-type capsule and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 A food or beverage preparation machine 1 for use with closed ingredient capsules 2 is shown. Machine 1 includes a fluid circulation device that circulates a fluid (in the remainder of this specification, the fluid is water) to the capsules 2 for mixing the fluid with the ingredients to form a food or beverage (in the remainder of this specification, the machine is considered to be used for preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, soup, nutritional compositions, etc.). The fluid circulation device includes a water tank 3, a set of pipes 4, a water heater 5, and a fluid circulation actuator 6.

[0064] Figure 1 The machine also includes a capsule holder 7 having a housing 8 for holding the capsule 2. It also includes an injection plate 9 for injecting the fluid through the upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2 into the capsule compartment. The upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2 is attached to the upper surface of the capsule edge 11 extending outward from the top of the capsule sidewall 12.

[0065] In embodiments of the beverage preparation machine described in this patent application, the term "brewing chamber" generally refers to the assembly of the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9. Figures 2 to 4As shown, when the capsule edge 11 and the upper membrane 10 of capsule 2 are positioned between the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9 during food or beverage preparation, the capsule holder 7 and the injection plate 9 can move relative to each other to close the capsule 2. Figure 2 The image shows the capsule 2 in its proper position within the housing 8 of the capsule holder 7, and a water injection plate 9 within the machine, the water injection plate being raised to allow insertion of the capsule holder into the machine 1. Figure 3 In the middle, the capsule retainer 7 is inserted into the machine 1 while the water injection plate 9 is still raised. Figure 4 In this process, the water injection plate 9 moves from its functional position on the machine 1 toward the capsule holder, and the beverage preparation is complete. The movement of the water injection plate 9 between its aforementioned positions can be performed automatically by pressing a command on the machine control panel, or alternatively, by the user via a pivoting mechanism. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The example shown in the image uses actuator 13, which is manually operated.

[0066] In the functional position of the brewing unit, when the water injection plate moves toward the capsule holder ( Figure 4 The capsule edge 11 and the upper membrane 10 of capsule 2 are positioned between the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9 and are held therein.

[0067] Generally, the principle behind capsule opening is that when water is injected into the capsule, the water pressure inside increases until it is high enough to rupture the wall on the dispensing side of the capsule, allowing the product to flow out toward the used cup. The increased pressure inside the capsule causes the dispensing wall to rupture through the interaction between the dispensing wall and an opening device integrated into the capsule structure.

[0068] To provide more environmentally friendly capsules, the applicant has developed capsules constructed with fewer materials, specifically capsules that do not include their own integrated opening mechanism. However, it is still necessary to make beverage machines compatible with another type of capsule that still includes its own opening mechanism.

[0069] The aforementioned beverage machines therefore need to be compatible with different types of capsules, one of which does not have its own opening mechanism.

[0070] More precisely, Figure 6 A first type of capsule 2A is described, comprising a capsule body having a sidewall 12 forming a dispensing compartment, an upper portion of a closed body and an upper membrane 10 attached to the upper surface of an edge 11 extending outward from the sidewall 10, and a bottom membrane 14 of a lower portion of the closed body, the bottom membrane 14 being openable by an opening device under pressure increase within the capsule compartment.

[0071] Figure 7A second type of capsule 2B is described, which, in addition to the features of the first type of capsule described above, includes a lower rigid wall 15 attached to the bottom edge of the sidewall 12, such that the bottom membrane 14 is located within the capsule compartment, above the upper surface of the rigid wall. The second type of capsule 2B also includes a product dispensing channel 16 connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall 15, and a product dispensing conduit 17 extending downward from the product dispensing channel 16. The upper surface of the lower rigid wall 15 includes an integral opening device 180 adapted to open the bottom membrane.

[0072] In the first type of capsule 2A, the opening device for opening the bottom membrane is not integrated into the capsule; instead, the opening device is integrated into the second type of capsule 2B. In the latter case, the opening device is located on the upper surface of the lower rigid wall 15.

[0073] In both cases, regardless of whether the opening device is integrated into the capsule, the opening device is formed by at least one, but preferably (as shown) multiple piercing elements 18, 180 adapted to pierce the bottom membrane 14 of the capsule. The bottom membrane 14 is preferably a thin film of suitable thickness for piercing. Advantageously, the piercing element is a pyramidal protrusion.

[0074] According to the present invention, an apparatus 19 is provided for adapting at least two types of ingredient capsules (i.e., the first type capsule 2A and the second type capsule 2B described above) in the same beverage preparation machine 1.

[0075] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the device 19 includes:

[0076] - Equipment plate 20, which has attachment device 21 to capsule holder 7,

[0077] - An opening device 18, located on the upper surface of the device plate 20, protruding upward from the upper surface plane of the device plate, is adapted to open the bottom membrane of the first type capsule 2A to allow dispensing of a first type of food or beverage product (preferably coffee), and

[0078] - A central through-hole 22, which extends through the entire thickness of the plate 20, is used to receive the product dispensing conduit 17 of the second type of capsule 2B.

[0079] The device plate 20 includes a plurality of through holes (not shown) extending between its upper and lower sides and located between the piercing elements 18, the holes having a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. These holes are used to guide the beverage dispensed from the first type of capsule towards the cup. In this configuration, as... Figure 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 18As shown, the beverage is dispensed across the entire lower surface of the capsule, and the multiple through-holes necessitate guiding and dispensing the beverage through the device plate. In the case of the second type of capsule, the beverage is dispensed via the product dispensing conduit 17, rendering the through-holes of the plate ineffective for beverage dispensing.

[0080] The cooperation of the first type of capsule 2A with the capsule retainer 8 and the adapter 19 is shown in Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 18 middle.

[0081] The cooperation of the first type of capsule 2A with the capsule retainer 8 and the adapter 19 is shown in Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 19 middle.

[0082] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment of the invention shown, the attachment device of the device plate 20 to the capsule retainer 7 is a device that allows non-permanent reversible attachment. Specifically, it extends laterally from the lower portion of the plate 7 and has a set of protrusions 21 of a size that allows the plate to be inserted into the housing 8 of the capsule retainer 7, and this size achieves a mechanically reversible retaining effect.

[0083] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In another preferred embodiment of the invention, also shown, the central through-hole 22 of the device plate 20 is surrounded at the upper surface of the device plate by a circular wall 23 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at a height at least equal to or higher than the height of the piercing element 18. This circular wall 23 provides support for the center of the bottom membrane 14 of the first type capsule 2A and prevents the membrane from being punctured by the piercing element 18 when the capsule is simply positioned inside the capsule holder before any water is introduced and the beverage is prepared.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, it was also found that in certain situations, and specifically when the material of the upper membrane 10 is changed from a conventional polymer such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) to a compostable, environmentally friendly material, delamination of the upper membrane 10 may occur. For example... Figure 5 As shown, this delamination effect causes the upper membrane 10 to undesirably open from the capsule sidewall 12 and the rest of the capsule edge 11, even partially or entirely. The delamination process ultimately leads to weakening and excessive puncture of the membrane 10, resulting in leakage. Compostable materials cannot achieve the same material properties as conventional polymers, especially under hot water conditions. Most compostable materials have a sealing strength (in N / mm) approximately 10 times less than polypropylene (PP), leading to... Figure 5 The upper membrane 10 shown is layered.

[0085] To address the stratification problem, it was surprisingly found that by elevating the capsule within the capsule holder, when the capsule is in place within the holder, the capsule edge 11 and the upper membrane 10 are better maintained in the proper position between the water inlet plate and the capsule holder when the brewing unit is in its closed configuration, thus preparing the beverage for preparation. Furthermore, any potential deformation of the capsule edge 11 within the brewing unit (which was found to also exacerbate the stratification problem) is limited. It has been shown that the brewing unit deforms under pressure during the beverage preparation process, and this effect on the capsule body and the resulting top-layer stratification is compensated for by the elevated capsule.

[0086] To achieve this lifting effect of the capsule, the device plate 20 according to the invention advantageously includes... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows the outer peripheral plate edge 24 extending horizontally and outward from the plate. The plate edge 24 has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

[0087] When the capsule and capsule holder are inserted into the brewing unit of the machine, the plate edge 24 is positioned between the lower part of the capsule holder and the bottom of the capsule, and the thickness of the edge 24 is sufficient to achieve the aforementioned lifting effect.

[0088] exist Figures 12 to 15 In an alternative or combined embodiment of the invention shown, the device according to the invention further includes at least three supports 25 extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the device plate 20. The supports 25 are connected at their upper ends to an annular flat ring 26. Utilizing the cage, thanks to the support at the top and the elevated capsule body, the delamination of the top membrane can be minimized. The annular flat ring preferably has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, and more preferably between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

[0089] exist Figures 16 to 19 In another embodiment of the invention shown, the central through-hole 22 of the device plate 20 may include a valve 27 adapted to open when the product dispensing conduit 17 of the second type of capsule is inserted into the central through-hole (e.g., Figure 19 (as shown), and is suitable for use in the absence of a conduit, for example, when the first type capsule 2A is inserted into the capsule retainer 7 and the device 19 (as shown). Figure 18 (As shown) it is resealed. This type of valve 27 closes the central through-hole when the first type of capsule 2A is inserted into the brewing unit to ensure that the dispensed beverage flows through the multiple dispensing through-holes of the plate 20, as described above.

[0090] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing the accompanying advantages. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for preparing food or beverage products, the system comprising: -Machine (1), the machine comprising: Fluid circulation devices (3, 4, 5, 6), which are used to circulate fluid into the capsule. .Capsule retainer (7), the capsule retainer having a housing (8) for retaining the capsule, and Injection plate (9), the injection plate being used to inject the fluid into the capsule compartment, The retainer (7) and the injection plate (9) are movable relative to each other to close the capsule. - A first type of capsule (2A), the capsule comprising a capsule body having a sidewall (12) forming a dispensing compartment, an upper membrane (10) closing the upper portion of the capsule body and attached to the upper surface of an edge (11) extending outward from the sidewall (12), and a bottom membrane (14) closing the lower portion of the capsule body, the bottom membrane (14) being openable by an opening device under pressure increase within the capsule compartment, and - A second type of capsule (2B), the capsule comprising a capsule body having a sidewall (12) forming a dispensing compartment and a lower rigid wall (15) attached to the sidewall (12), such that a bottom membrane (14) of the second type of capsule (2B) is located within the capsule compartment, above the upper surface of the rigid wall (15). The second type of capsule (2B) further comprises a product dispensing channel (16) connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall (15) and a product dispensing conduit (17) extending downward from the product dispensing channel (16). The upper surface of the lower rigid wall (15) includes an opening device (18) adapted to open the bottom membrane (14). - An adapter (19) for adapting the first type of capsule (2A) and the second type of capsule (2B) in the capsule holder (7) of the food or beverage preparation machine (1), wherein the adapter (19) comprises: .Equipment plate (20), the equipment plate having attachment means (21) to the capsule retainer (7). An opening device (18) is located on the upper surface of the device plate (20), protruding upward from the upper surface plane of the device plate (20), and is adapted to open the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule (2A) to allow dispensing of the first type of food or beverage product. A central through-hole (22), which extends through the entire thickness of the device plate (20), is used to receive the product dispensing conduit (17) of the second type of capsule (2B).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the opening device (18) of the adapter is formed by at least one piercing element adapted to pierce the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule (2A).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule is a thin film of a thickness suitable for being punctured.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the piercing element of the opening device (18) of the adapter is a pyramidal protrusion.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment device (21) of the device plate (20) to the capsule retainer (7) is a device that allows non-permanent reversible attachment.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central through hole (22) of the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall (23) at the upper surface of the device plate (20), the circular wall protruding upward from the upper surface at a height at least equal to or higher than the height of the opening device (18).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device plate (20) includes an outer peripheral plate edge (24) extending horizontally and outwardly from the device plate, the outer peripheral plate edge (24) having a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the outer peripheral plate edge (24) has a thickness between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapter (19) further comprises a support (25) extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the device plate (20), the support (25) engaging an annular ring (26) at its upper end.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the annular ring (26) is flat and has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the annular ring (26) has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the annular ring (26) has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

13. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the device plate (20) includes a plurality of through holes extending between its upper and lower sides and located between the piercing elements, the through holes having a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispensing conduit (17) of the second type capsule (2B) has an outer diameter between 2 mm and 7 mm.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central through-hole (22) of the device plate (20) includes a valve (27) adapted to open when the product dispensing conduit (17) of the second type capsule (2B) is inserted into the central through-hole (22), and adapted to reclose in a sealing manner when the conduit is not present.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the capsule body of the capsule is made of a compostable or biodegradable polymer.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least the capsule body of the capsule is made of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) and mixtures thereof.

18. An adapter (19) for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the adapter (19) comprises: .Equipment plate (20), the equipment plate having attachment means (21) to the capsule retainer (7). An opening device (18) is located on the upper surface of the device plate (20), protruding upward from the upper surface plane of the device plate (20). The opening device (18) is adapted to open the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule (2A) to allow dispensing of the first type of food or beverage product. The central through hole (22) of the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall (23) on the upper surface of the device plate (20), the circular wall protruding upward from the upper surface at a height at least equal to or higher than the height of the opening device (18).

19. The adapter according to claim 18, wherein the device plate (20) includes an outer peripheral plate edge (24) extending horizontally and outwardly from the device plate, the outer peripheral plate edge (24) having a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

20. The adapter according to claim 19, wherein the outer peripheral plate edge (24) has a thickness between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.

21. The adapter device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the adapter device (19) further comprises at least three pillars (25) extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the device plate (20), the pillars (25) engaging an annular ring (26) at their upper ends.

22. The adapter according to claim 21, wherein the annular ring (26) is flat and has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

23. The adapter according to claim 22, wherein the annular ring (26) has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

24. The adapter according to claim 22, wherein the annular ring (26) has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

25. A kit for use with a machine (1), the machine comprising a fluid circulation device (3, 4, 5, 6) for circulating fluid to a first type capsule or a second type capsule, a capsule holder (7) having a housing (8) for holding the capsule, and an injection plate (9) for injecting the fluid into a capsule compartment, the holder (7) and the injection plate (9) being movable relative to each other to close the capsule. The kit includes: - The adapter (19) according to any one of claims 18 to 24. - A plurality of first-type capsules (2A), the capsules comprising a capsule body having a sidewall (12) forming a dispensing compartment, an upper membrane (10) closing the upper portion of the capsule body and attached to the upper surface of an edge (11) extending outward from the sidewall (12), and a bottom membrane (14) closing the lower portion of the capsule body, the bottom membrane (14) being openable by an opening device under pressure increase within the capsule compartment, and - A plurality of second type capsules (2B), the capsules comprising a capsule body having a sidewall (12) forming a dispensing compartment and a lower rigid wall (15) attached to the sidewall (12), such that a bottom membrane (14) of the second type capsule (2B) is located within the capsule compartment, above the upper surface of the rigid wall (15), the second type capsule (2B) further comprising a product dispensing channel (16) connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall (15) and a product dispensing conduit (17) extending downward from the product dispensing channel (16), the upper surface of the lower rigid wall (15) including an opening device (18) adapted to open the bottom membrane (14).

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