Beverage pouch system with pouch identification

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction device for extracting a beverage ingredient from a capsule (3), said capsule (3) comprising a code (34), said device comprising:-upstream and downstream capsule enclosing parts (1, 2), the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulating parts are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position for inserting and removing the capsule (3); the invention relates to a device (1) comprising a path (41), a code reader (71),-a removable capsule stent (6),-a top insertion section (4) for introducing the capsule stent (6) into the device,-a capsule stent stop (42) for stopping the capsule stent (6) in an intermediate temporary position inside said path (41), and wherein in the intermediate temporary position, the capsule stent (6) is inserted into the path (41). The bag holder (6) is configured to hold the bag such that the code (34) arranged on the bag faces the code reader (71), and wherein during introduction of the bag holder into the device, when the bag holder reaches the intermediate temporary position, an operation of reading the code by the code reader is triggered by movement of the bag holder (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of preparing beverages using a system comprising a single-cup container containing beverage ingredients and a machine having an extraction chamber in which the container can be inserted, extracted and removed. Background Art

[0002] Single-cup containers for automatic preparation of beverages include various forms of containers that can be extracted according to different types of systems. In these systems, the container introduced by the user inside the system is enclosed in a chamber to perform the extraction process and then removed from the chamber. The chamber includes two parts that are configured to move separately during the introduction of the container and then move relative to each other to form an extraction chamber around the container for beverage extraction.

[0003] Containers can be introduced into these systems in different ways.

[0004] In a particular type of system, the user introduces the container inside a receiving area of ​​the system, which directs the container directly between two parts of the machine, as shown in EP 1859714 or EP 1646305. In this type of system, the two parts of the chamber are usually able to move relative to each other in a horizontal direction, and the container can be introduced inside the two parts and then removed from the chamber in a perpendicular vertical direction, taking advantage of the gravity fall of the container in these operations.

[0005] Therefore, this type of system requires providing a container catcher and a container ejector inside the chamber to control the movement of the container, which makes manufacturing more complicated.

[0006] In some systems, the container has a marking or identification means or code that is read by a code reader of the system before the beverage is prepared. The marking or identification means or code provides the system with information about the container, such as the beverage ingredients stored in the container or the size of the container. This information can be used to adapt the beverage preparation to the container to achieve an optimal preparation.

[0007] There are different types of marking or identification means or codes and they work with different types of readers like optical, mechanical, magnetic, etc…

[0008] In systems such as those described above, the container is introduced into the two parts of the brewing chamber by gravity drop, and the reading operation requires the container to stop when it falls to operate the reading. Usually, this stop can be obtained by closing the path of the container with a stopper driven by a motor.

[0009] Some of these readers require that during the reading operation, the reader and the identification or identification means or code are placed very close to each other, and even a part of the reader is in contact with the container portion holding the identification or identification means or code. This reading operation requires the container to stop very close to the code reader and the code reader and / or the container to move relative to each other. This operation will increase the preparation time of the beverage, which is inconvenient for the user. In addition, this operation is usually achieved by controlling the relative movement of the container and the code reader through a motor, which again increases the production cost of the system.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to at least solve the above-mentioned existing disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extraction liquid into a capsule,

[0012] The capsule comprises:

[0013] - a capsule body, the capsule body comprising:

[0014] . side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber extending axially between the bottom and top openings,

[0015] and

[0016] - a top cover which closes the top opening of the pad body,

[0017] - a machine-readable code storing preparation information, said code being arranged on the pad,

[0018] and

[0019] The device comprises an upstream capsule-enclosing part and a downstream capsule-enclosing part capable of relative movement, preferably relative translation, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and removing the capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule during extraction,

[0020] The device comprises a code reader,

[0021] The device comprises:

[0022] - a removable pad holder comprising a pad receiving aperture for receiving and holding the pad,

[0023] a top insertion section configured for introducing the pad holder into the device, said top insertion section comprising a path for guiding the pad holder to an extraction area between an upstream pad enclosing part and a downstream pad enclosing part, and

[0024] a bag holder stopper for stopping the bag holder at an intermediate temporary position inside the path,

[0025] and

[0026] wherein, in the intermediate temporary position, the capsule holder is configured to hold the capsule such that the code arranged on the capsule faces the code reader, and

[0027] During the introduction of the pad holder into the device, when the pad holder reaches the intermediate temporary position, the movement of the pad holder triggers the operation of the code reader to read the code.

[0028] The relative movement of the code reader and the code of the pad is therefore actuated by the user who manually introduces the pad holder inside the extraction device.

[0029] Preferably, the pad holder is completely removable, which means that it can be disassembled from the extraction device, in particular the pad holder can be completely removed from the top insertion section. The pad can then be placed back into the extraction device. Thus, when the pad holder is outside the extraction device, the user can easily introduce the pad inside the holder; after extraction, the user can easily carry the pad holder positioned inside the holder to the material compartment and then position the pad holder back into the extraction device with or without a new pad.

[0030] Preferably, the pad receiving aperture and the top insertion section are configured to orient the code in front of the code reader when the pad holder is in the intermediate position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation means are configured to orient the portion of the pad presenting the code inside the holder and inside the path so that said code faces the code reader when the pad holder is in the intermediate temporary position.

[0032] Such orientation means may be a specific design of the insertion path of the holder and of the extraction device, respectively, so as to prompt the user to position the pad and the pad holder in only one way.

[0033] These means also make it possible to keep the pad correctly oriented in the field of vision of the downstream or upstream enclosing member, depending on its configuration.

[0034] Typically, the holder and its aperture are designed such that once the pad is positioned in the aperture, at least a portion of the cover and at least a portion of the pad bottom are not covered or enclosed by the pad holder and are still accessible by the code reader when the pad holder is in the intermediate temporary position.

[0035] Furthermore, typically, during beverage preparation at least a portion of the cover and at least a portion of the pad bottom are not covered or enclosed by the pad holder to keep downstream and upstream pad enclosing parts accessible, preferably to the piercing elements of said enclosing parts.

[0036] Preferably, the entire surface of the cover and the bottom of the pad body is covered by the bracket.

[0037] These components are therefore still fully accessible to the code reader and the piercing element of the extraction device.

[0038] The holder stopper provides a means to prevent the user who manually introduces the holder into the insertion path from pushing the bag holder beyond an intermediate temporary position inside the path. When the bag holder stops in this intermediate temporary position, the bag held in the bag holder is well positioned so that it can be read by the code reader.

[0039] This intermediate position of the support enables the code reader to carry out the identification steps in order to:

[0040] - provide the process control unit of the extraction device with information relevant to the preparation of the beverage (authorized capsules, optimal recipe), or

[0041] - If a defect is identified (a capsule that has been extracted but not removed from the holder), the preparation is stopped and the user is alerted via the display. The user can immediately remove the holder and inspect the capsule in the holder.

[0042] In the intermediate temporary position, the pad holder is only partially inserted inside the extraction device, and in particular the upper part of the holder is still accessible to a user who is able to extract the holder from this position.

[0043] This intermediate temporary position may be configured to enable a user to load the device with the capsule holder before the holder is automatically displaced further into the brewing chamber formed by the upstream and downstream enclosing parts.

[0044] According to the present invention, the movement of the bag support triggers the code reader to read the code. When the bag support reaches the intermediate temporary position, the reading of the code is automatically activated at the same time.

[0045] The triggering action of the movement of the reader by the pad holder coordinates the movement of the reader and the pad holder to avoid the use of motors and to make the identification step fast.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the code reader is capable of moving between:

[0047] a retracted position in which the code reader is positioned out of the path of the insertion section, and

[0048] a reading position in which the code reader extends into the path of the insertion section,

[0049] and

[0050] During the introduction of the capsule support into the device, when the capsule support reaches the intermediate temporary position,

[0051] The movement of the code reader from the retracted position to the reading position is triggered by the capsule holder.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the code reader is movable between two positions. The first position is a default retracted position, in which the code reader is positioned beside the insertion section and does not prevent the pad holder from sliding in the insertion path. The second position is a reading position, in which the code reader partially extends into the path of the insertion section and contacts the surface of the pad held in the holder.

[0053] The second position of the reader ensures a good reading of the code provided on the surface of the pad.

[0054] The first position of the reader enables the bag and the bag support to move freely to the intermediate temporary position. Usually, this movement is vertical.

[0055] The intermediate temporary position of the capsule holder enables a correct reading by the code reader in its second position.

[0056] The triggering action of the movement of the reader by the pad holder coordinates the movement of the reader and the pad holder to avoid the use of motors and to make the identification step fast.

[0057] Typically, the movement of the code reader is perpendicular to the movement of the pad holder.

[0058] Typically, the movement of the pad holder is vertical, while the movement of the reader is horizontal.

[0059] Preferably, the movement of the code reader from the reading position back to the retracted position is triggered by the pad holder when the pad holder is moved from the intermediate temporary position to the extraction area.

[0060] Therefore, during further movement of the pad holder and during beverage preparation, the code reader is positioned back to the first default position.Using this default position, the risk of damaging a part of the code reader during beverage preparation is limited.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the code reader is supported by a movable frame, and during the movement of the capsule support inside the path of the insertion device, the frame of the code reader can successively:

[0062] - being tensioned by a spring while being held in the retracted position by a retaining device,

[0063] - then moved to the reading position by removing the holding device, and

[0064] -Then it returns to the retracted position by releasing the tension of the spring.

[0065] In this embodiment, preferably:

[0066] - the frame of the code reader is spring-tensioned via a lever actuated by the pad holder, and

[0067] - The holding device is also moved by the pad holder.

[0068] Preferably, the extraction device comprises an actuator to move the pad holder from the intermediate position to an extraction zone between the upstream pad-enclosing part and the downstream pad-enclosing part.

[0069] The actuation means is preferably manually actuated, such as a handle. Thus, when the capsule is loaded into the intermediate temporary position with the capsule holder, the machine can be operated manually directly, and the capsule holder can be moved to the extraction area indirectly with the handle.

[0070] Preferably, the actuator may be dynamically connected to a holder stopper, such that said stopper is configured to move the pad holder from the intermediate position to the extraction area when said actuator is operated.

[0071] Thus, even if the actuator is operated manually, the support is automatically moved to the extraction area, which ensures correct positioning inside the two enclosing parts. It is preferred when both enclosing parts can be moved relative to each other as described below.

[0072] Preferably, the pad holder and the holder stopper are designed such that the stopper can engage a surface of the pad holder and drive the holder during movement of the stopper by the actuator.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle, and the handle closes the path of the top insertion section when the downstream component and the upstream component are in the closed position.

[0074] Thus, movement of the handle simultaneously positions the stent between the bladder enclosure components and closes the path to prevent the operator from pulling on the stent when an extraction operation occurs.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment:

[0076] an upstream enclosing part defining a holder and carrying an upstream piercing arrangement and a liquid injector for opening the bottom wall of the pad,

[0077] - the downstream part defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising a downstream planar piercing arrangement for opening the cover of the pad, and

[0078] Each of the downstream and upstream components is movable between a respective open position for inserting and removing the pad-holder and a respective closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the pad-holder during extraction.

[0079] The movement of each of the upstream and enclosing parts to and away from the pad is preferred because typically, apart from beverage extraction, a portion of the cover or bottom of the pad body may remain engaged with the piercing element rising from said parts. The movement of these enclosing parts enables the pad holder to be disengaged from the pad and enables the pad holder to be safely removed.

[0080] The actuation device may be configured to coordinate the movement of the upstream and downstream components and the movement of the bladder holder so as to:

[0081] - before the two enclosing parts enclose the pad, positioning the pad holder in the extraction region between the two enclosing parts, and

[0082] Before removing the pad holder from the extraction area, the two covering parts are removed from the pad.

[0083] Preferably, the relative movement of the upstream and downstream enclosing parts is linear. The relative movement is preferably a translation. Preferably, the introduction and removal of the capsule support is also linear and preferably perpendicular to the linear movement of the enclosing parts.

[0084] Therefore, the size of the extraction device can be kept small.

[0085] Preferably, the capsule support comprises Orienting device to correctly orient the capsule inside the support and then orient Inside the extraction device, Particular consideration is given to downstream components or upstream components depending on the configuration of the pad.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the orienting means is configured to orient the cover of the pad so that it faces the downstream component or the upstream component, depending on the configuration of the pad.

[0087] Such orientation means may be a specific design of the insertion path of the holder and the extraction device, respectively, thereby prompting the user to position the pad and the pad holder in only one way.

[0088] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device such as described above.

[0089] Generally speaking, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to an upstream encapsulation component. The liquid supply system may include:

[0090] -Liquid supplies, such as liquid tanks,

[0091] - a pumping member for driving liquid from the liquid supply to the extraction device,

[0092] - Heating and / or cooling means which adapt the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pad.

[0093] The liquid is typically water.

[0094] Typically, the beverage machine comprises a control unit configured to control at least the supply to the extraction device. The control unit may be configured to control the identification operation of the identification device (if present) or to display information to a user.

[0095] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising an extraction device such as described above and a capsule, or comprising a beverage preparation machine such as described above and a capsule,

[0096] The capsule includes:

[0097] - a capsule body comprising side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber, and

[0098] - a top cover that closes the top opening of the pad body, and

[0099] - a machine-readable code storing preparation information, said code being arranged on the pad, preferably on the cover of the pad, and

[0100] Therein the pad holder and the insertion section are designed such that the cover faces the code reader in the path of the insertion section.

[0101] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a beverage using an apparatus such as described above, comprising the steps of:

[0102] - Remove the capsule support,

[0103] - introducing the capsule into the capsule holder,

[0104] - introducing the capsule holder into the extraction device and lowering it into a temporary position,

[0105] - Actuating the actuating device to move the capsule holder from the intermediate position to the extraction area

[0106] In a fifth aspect, there is provided the use of a capsule holder in an extraction device or a beverage machine such as described,

[0107] - the pad holder comprises a pad receiving hole for receiving and holding the pad, and

[0108] The pad holder is designed to trigger a code reading operation during the introduction of the pad holder into the extraction device.

[0109] In this application:

[0110] - The term "capsule" is used broadly to denote any kind of single-dose container suitable for preparing a beverage or other edible product, such as a capsule, a pod, a portion pack or an individual pack, without limitation to the shape of the container, the material from which it is made, or the type of piercing member required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0111] - The term "longitudinally" refers to the orientation of the two enclosing parts relative to each other and their movement along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0112] The terms "vertically", "upwardly" and "downwardly" refer to the movement of the capsule in the extraction device from its introduction between the two enclosing parts to its removal therefrom.

[0113] "Upper" and "lower" also refer to this vertical axis.

[0114] - The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of the liquid from the upstream enclosure through the extraction device to the downstream enclosure.

[0115] Typically, these terms are used to describe the relative positioning of features of the extraction device. These terms should be understood to mean that the device is in its normal orientation when positioned in a beverage machine for producing a beverage, such as Figure 2A , Figure 2E and 4A to 4H shown.

[0116] The above aspects of the present invention may be combined in any suitable combination. In addition, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Additional objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be apparent from the claims, specific embodiments, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0118] - Figures 1A to 1C are different perspective views of a capsule used in the extraction device of the present invention,

[0119] - Figure 2A and Figure 2D are respectively a side view and a top view of an extraction device according to the present invention,

[0120] The capsule stent is removed from it.

[0121] - Figure 2B and Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A perspective view of some isolated components of the extraction device,

[0122] - Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A side view of an extraction device, wherein the capsule support is enclosed inside,

[0123] and Figure 2F yes Figure 2E A side view of some isolated components of the extraction device,

[0124] - Figure 3A is a front view of the bracket holding the bag,

[0125] - Figure 3B is a rear view of the bracket holding the bladder,

[0126] - Figure 3C is a perspective view of the stent without any capsule,

[0127] - Figure 3D is a bottom view of the bracket holding the bladder,

[0128] - 4A to 4H is a cross-sectional view illustrating the step of introducing the capsule support into the interior of the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment,

[0129] - Figures 4I to 4K is a cross-sectional view showing the steps of removing the capsule support from the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment,

[0130] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4H A magnified view of a portion of

[0131] - Figure 6 The fluid system of the extraction device is illustrated.

[0132] - Fig. 7A is an isolated perspective view of a movable code reader assembly of the extraction device, and Figure 7B is a side view of the assembly,

[0133] - Figure 7C yes Figure 2D an enlarged view of the inserted section, and Fig.7D is along Figure 7C A vertical cross-section of plane AA in

[0134] - FIG. 7E to FIG. 7F is a side view of the extraction device showing the relative engagement of the code reader assembly and the pad holder in different operational positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0135] Figure 1A (Perspective) and Figure 1B (Exploded view) illustrates a capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0136] The capsule 3 comprises a capsule body 31 having a side wall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 toward the top. The side wall 311 extends toward a top opening 312. At the top opening 312, the body comprises a circumferential annular flange 314 extending radially outwardly from the side wall 311 along the circumference of the opening 312.

[0137] The flange includes an upper surface 3142 facing the top, and a lower surface 3141.

[0138] Generally speaking, any transverse cross-section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0139] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0140] The beverage ingredient is preferably an ingredient that can be extracted like roast and ground coffee.

[0141] In a less preferred manner, the beverage ingredient may be tea leaves or a water-soluble powdered ingredient such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of said powders, or even a soluble liquid ingredient or a beverage concentrate such as a syrup or milk concentrate. The powder may be agglomerated or fired.

[0142] The capsule comprises a cover 32 which is fixed, sealed or attached to at least a portion of the upper surface 3142 of the peripheral flange and thus covers and closes the top opening 312 .

[0143] A machine readable code 34 is arranged on the cover. The code may provide different types of information, such as:

[0144] - the nature of the beverage ingredients,

[0145] - the size of the capsule,

[0146] - Authorized capsules,

[0147] - Extraction formula applied to the capsule: temperature of the fluid, volume of the fluid, flow rate of the fluid, ...

[0148] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be pierced so that liquid can be injected into the pad through the pierced opening.

[0149] The cover 32 is adapted to open during injection of liquid by coming into engagement with the piercing arrangement under the effect of the increased liquid pressure inside the pad.

[0150] The pad shape is symmetrical relative to a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the cover, and the pad shape is asymmetrical relative to the planes of the cover and the flange.

[0151] Figure 1C Examples of methods that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention and with Figure 1A The capsule 3 of the large capsule 3 is different only in the depth of the capsule body 31' (along ZZ'). The capsule body 31 of the large capsule 3 defines a larger volume of the ingredient chamber than the capsule body 31' of the small capsule 3', and the side wall 311 is higher than the side wall 311'. The diameters of the covers 32, 32' of the small capsule and the large capsule are the same.

[0152] This difference in size enables the preparation of different beverages, preferably different coffee beverages, like espresso, espresso, long-brew coffee (long cup), Americano, ... . . .

[0153] Other sizes than those illustrated may be provided, such as intermediate sizes.

[0154] The machine readable code 34 may store information regarding the size of the capsule.

[0155] The extraction device of the present invention can be configured for use with alternative containers to those described above, provided that these alternative containers comprise a body defining a chamber and a cover enclosing the chamber. These two enclosing parts need only present an internal shape conforming to the container.

[0156] For example, the container may be a frustoconical capsule made of aluminium or plastic.

[0157] Figure 2A is a side view of an extraction device 10 according to the invention comprising an upstream capsule-enclosing member 2 and a downstream capsule-enclosing member 1 capable of relative translation along a longitudinal axis XX'. Typically, this axis XX' is substantially horizontal. Figure 2A , the two parts are in an open position configured to receive a pod for extraction. The two enclosing parts are supported by a chassis 9 and can be moved from said open position to a closed position by actuating a handle 8 connected to the enclosing parts by a system 81 of interrelated elbow rods.

[0158] The device comprises a capsule holder 6 for holding the capsule 3. The holder can be completely removed from the extraction device and can be removed as shown in FIG. Figure 2AAs shown, it is located outside the chassis, where this external support is ready for the introduction operation at the end of said operation between the enclosing members, or during the removal of the extracted pad from the extraction device. The pad is introduced through an insertion section 4 positioned above the two enclosing members 1 , 2 .

[0159] Figure 2B and Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Perspective and isolated view of the two pad enclosing parts 1 , 2 and the pad holder 6 in the position shown.

[0160] The downstream part 1 comprises a plate perpendicular, ie transverse, to the longitudinal axis XX'. The plate comprises a central downstream planar piercing arrangement 12 for opening the cover 32 of the pad when extraction liquid is introduced inside the pad and expands the cover.

[0161] Typically, the central downstream planar piercing arrangement 12 is circular, similar to the cover of a bladder.

[0162] The opening is performed by the relative engagement of the spike and the cover under the effect of the pressure increase of the liquid injected into the body chamber of the capsule. The downstream planar piercing arrangement may comprise a rigid plate comprising, on its surface turned towards the cover, opening elements 121 such as spikes, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally truncated at its ends. Furthermore, the plate comprises perforations for drawing the beverage dispensed from the opened cover to a beverage outlet 14, such as a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and dispenses it to a drinking cup.

[0163] The plate comprises a peripheral region 13 surrounding the piercing arrangement 12 .

[0164] The upstream part 2 defines a holder 21 for enclosing the capsule body. The holder presents an adjustable internal volume. A movable end wall 22 transverse to the longitudinal axis XX' of the holder enables such adjustment. The end wall 22 carries a piercing element 222 for opening the bottom wall 313 of the capsule body and a liquid outlet opening 223 for supplying liquid to the capsule through a hole opened in the bottom wall of the capsule. The piercing element may include a piercer in the form of a blade. These blades may be designed and positioned to pierce the wall at the bottom of the capsule body when the upstream capsule encapsulation part and the downstream capsule encapsulation part are placed in a closed position. The liquid outlet opening 223 can form a shower at the upstream wall of the holder, and the supplied liquid can be introduced into the capsule through the pre-pierced opening.

[0165] Since pads 2 of different sizes can be introduced and extracted, the end wall 22 of the holder can be made movable in order to adapt the inner volume of the holder to the pads.

[0166] The upstream part 2 is supported by a support 24 enabling it to move along the axis XX′.

[0167] Figure 2D The top view of the extraction device in FIG. 4 shows an insertion section 4 of a pad holder arranged in a chassis 9 . This insertion section 4 is designed to enable the introduction of a pad holder 6 , so that the cover 32 of the pad held in the holder is positioned in front of the downstream closing part 1 .

[0168] This view clearly shows that the extraction device comprises a code reader 7 which is positioned beside the insertion section and above the two enclosing parts 1 , 2 and which is configured to read a code on a capsule positioned in the insertion section.

[0169] Figure 2E and Figure 2F Shows FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Extraction device, wherein the capsule holder 6 is positioned between the upstream capsule enclosing part 2 and the downstream capsule enclosing part 1, and these two parts are moved relative to each other by actuating the mutually associated rods by the handle 8. In this position, the capsule holder 6 is firmly clamped between the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0170] Figure 3A is a front view of a pad holder 6 holding a pad 3 and shows the front side 641 of the pad holder, with the cover 32 of the pad being positioned on the front side. Figure 3B The back side 642 of the pad holder is shown, on which the bottom 313 of the pad appears. Figure 3C is a perspective view of the stent without any bladder.

[0171] In its front face 641, the pad holder 6 has an aperture 61 configured to receive therethrough the body 31 of the pad. The holder and its aperture are designed so that once the pad 3 is positioned in the aperture 61, at least a portion of the cover 32 and at least a portion of the bottom 313 of the pad are not covered or enclosed by the pad holder and remain able to read the code and be pierced by the downstream and upstream pad enclosing members during beverage preparation.

[0172] In the specific illustrated embodiment described above, the code 34 is provided over the entire surface of the closure and can be read by a code reader from any part of the closure.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above-described specific exemplified embodiment of the extraction device, the piercing elements 12, 222 of the downstream encapsulation part and the upstream encapsulation part are constructed to pierce the large surfaces of the cover 32 and the bottom 313 of the capsule; therefore, the bracket does not include any shell covering the bottom of the capsule body: the bottom remains uncovered and pierceable.

[0174] With other types of piercing elements of the extraction device, piercing may be provided in a more limited area of ​​the cover and / or the bottom, and the holder may comprise components to enclose the capsule in addition to the pierceable area.

[0175] In the illustrated embodiment, the support may include some retaining elements at the inner surround of the hole. When the user manipulates the bladder support and introduces it vertically into the insertion section, these retaining elements, such as the illustrated short flexible tongue 612, can keep the bladder inside the support by friction.

[0176] The handle 63 facilitates user handling, particularly during introduction of the pad holder into the insertion section, by prompting the user to orient the pad holder with the handle positioned upwards, i.e. the cover 32 in front of the downstream component 1 and the pad bottom 313 in front of the upstream component 2 .

[0177] like Figure 3D As shown, the shape of the bottom 643 of the bag support is asymmetrical. This asymmetrical shape is the same as the shape of the insertion section 4, which encourages the user to correctly position the bag between the upstream and the enclosing parts, as described above. Figure 2D described.

[0178] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E The step of introducing the capsule support into the interior of the extraction device 10 according to the preferred embodiment is illustrated.

[0179] exist Figure 4A middle:

[0180] - The handle 8 is in an open position, in which:

[0181] The handle does not cover the insertion section 4, and

[0182] .It positions the two enveloping parts 1, 2 away from each other.

[0183] The code reader 7 is positioned beside the path 41 .

[0184] The pad holder 6 is loaded with the pad 3 and positioned above the insertion section 4 : as indicated by the arrow A, the pad holder slides vertically inside the path 41 .

[0185] exist Figure 4B and Figure 4C middle:

[0186] The user is introducing the pad holder 6 into the path 41 .

[0187] exist Figure 4D middle:

[0188] The bag holder 6 has just been stopped by the stopper 42 against which it abuts in an intermediate temporary position inside the path 41. The downstream end 42a of the stopper 42 is configured to be positioned inside the path 41 when the handle 8 is in the open position, so as to interact with the bottom 643 of the bag holder and stop its downward sliding movement operated by the user.

[0189] In this intermediate position, the code reader 7 rests on the cover of the pad and can read the code, as described below in conjunction with FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D Explained.

[0190] This intermediate position allows the pad to be marked or identified by identification means 7 positioned in this part of the path 41 before it is further introduced between the enclosing members 1, 2. The identification means can obtain input information for further preparation of the beverage from the identified or marked pad.

[0191] - At the same time, the downstream end 42a of the stopper engages in a slot 644 designed through the bottom 643 of the support. This engagement will enable the capsule support 6 to be automatically driven to the two enclosing parts 1,

[0192] 2, as explained below.

[0193] exist Figure 4E middle:

[0194] The pad holder is stopping in an intermediate position and the user can start moving the handle 8 as illustrated by arrow B to its closed position.

[0195] Due to the interrelated elbow-bar system 81 between the handle 8 and the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing part 2, this upstream part starts to move in the direction of the downstream part 1 as illustrated by the arrow C. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the downstream pad enclosing part 2 also moves in the direction of the upstream part.

[0196] The upstream end 42b of the holder stopper is connected to the movable carrier 24: its upstream end 42b engages in the slot 241 of the carrier. Therefore, since the stopper 42 engages in the slot 644 of the capsule holder 6, the movement of the carrier 24 simultaneously causes the movement of the stopper 42. The slots 644, 421 in the capsule holder 6 and the carrier 24, respectively, are designed so that the movement of the upstream capsule enclosing part 2 towards the downstream capsule enclosing part (i.e. the closing of the extraction chamber) causes the capsule holder to move downwards between the two enclosing parts 1, 2 before the two enclosing parts form the extraction chamber.

[0197] exist Figure 4F middle:

[0198] - The handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream component moves in the direction of the downstream component 1. Due to the design of the slots 644, 421 in the capsule holder 6 and the carrier 24, respectively,

[0199] The stopper 42 continues to drive the pad holder 6 downwards.

[0200] During this downward movement, the pad holder 6 is designed to move the code reader 7 back to its rest position outside the path 41 .

[0201] exist Figure 4G middle:

[0202] - the handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream encapsulating part 1 continues to move towards the downstream part 1 in order to close the extraction chamber,

[0203] - But behind the upstream end 42b of the stopper in the carrier is the design of a slot 241 so that the pad holder 6 stops sliding downwards. In this step of closing of the handle 8 , the pad holder 6 is well aligned between the two enclosing parts 1 , 2 along the longitudinal axis XX′.

[0204] exist Figure 4H middle:

[0205] - The handle 8 has reached its closed position and covers the path 41 of the insertion section.

[0206] The downstream and upstream enclosing parts 1, 2 and the support 6 form an extraction chamber 5 (dashed lines) enclosing the pad 3. The bottom 313 of the pad is pierced by the piercing element 222 and the preparation of the beverage can be started by introducing a liquid through the liquid outlet 223 of the upstream enclosing part.

[0207] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the interaction of the pad holder 6 with the upstream encapsulation part 1 and the downstream encapsulation part 2 when forming the extraction chamber. Preferably, the pad holder comprises a seal 62 which covers all the front and all the back of the surround 611 of the receiving hole of the pad holder and can cooperate with the corresponding surrounds of the upstream encapsulation part 1 and the downstream encapsulation part 2 to provide tightness during beverage preparation, in particular the edge 211 of the holder can engage with the seal at the back of the surround of the hole, and the peripheral area 13 of the downstream encapsulation part can engage with the seal at the front of the surround of the hole.

[0208] Furthermore, the pad holder 6 may be designed so that the annular flange 314 of the pad is clamped between the front face of the surround of the hole and the surround of the peripheral zone 13 of the downstream enclosing part.

[0209] Preferably, the seal at the front face of the surround of the aperture comprises a ridge 621 extending along the periphery of the seal and rising in the downstream direction.

[0210] Thus, in the closed position of the encapsulating parts 1, 2, the flange 314 of the capsule can be pressed between the seal 62 and the surrounding of the downstream part and can be clamped strongly by the ridge. Thus, in the flange, the path of the liquid formed by the potential folds around the flange of the capsule is closed and tightness is obtained. This embodiment is particularly useful when using a capsule made of paper such as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral area 13 of the downstream part can include a groove 131, in which the ridge 621 can engage to further increase the tightness.

[0211] Figures 4I to 4K Example Figure 4H The step of removing the capsule support from the extraction device after the extraction operation.

[0212] These steps occur when the user pulls on the handle 8 to open the extraction device and FIG. 4C to FIG. 4H The exact opposite movement described in .

[0213] exist Fig. 4I , the user pulls the handle 8 upwards as illustrated by arrow D, with the effect that the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing part 2 moves away from the pad holder 6 as illustrated by arrow E. The two enclosing parts 1 , 2 leave the pad holder 6 free.

[0214] exist Figure 4J , the user continues to pull the handle 8 , and the downstream end 42 a of the stopper of the pad holder pushes the pad holder upwards as illustrated by arrow F.

[0215] exist Figure 4K In the embodiment, the stopper 42 is not engaged in the slot 644 at the bottom of the pad holder. The user can grasp the pad handle and can pull the pad holder 6 out of the insertion path in order to throw away the extracted pad.

[0216] During these steps, the reader does not move and remains outside the path 41 .

[0217] Figure 6 A fluid system 101 of the extraction device is shown, which is configured to supply liquid to the upstream enclosure component 2. The system 101 may include a tank 1011 of fluid (usually water), a pump 1012 for pumping the fluid from the tank and at least one device for regulating the temperature of the fluid before dispensing it to the upstream component 2, such as a heater 1013 and / or a cooler.

[0218] The process control unit 102 of the beverage machine is configured to control the pump and the heater once the beverage is ordered. The code reader assembly 7 of the extraction device is configured to provide the control unit with information read from the code of the capsule. Based on this information, the process control unit 102 is configured to actuate the pump and the heater and / or the cooler. If the beverage machine includes a display device, specific information related to the capsule can also be displayed.

[0219] The information read from the code can be used by the process control unit according to different modes:

[0220] - the code read may be a reference to a recipe type stored in a memory of the process control unit, and the control unit is configured to apply this stored recipe, or

[0221] the code read may be a reference to a recipe type stored in a remote database, and the process control unit is configured to download the recipe from the remote database via remote communication means, or

[0222] The read code may directly provide all parameters of the recipe and the control unit is configured to apply the read recipe.

[0223] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A movable code reader assembly 7 of the present invention is shown.

[0224] The assembly comprises a code reader 71. Preferably, the code reader is configured to provide an optimal reading of the code by operating in contact with the code. In particular, if some steam or water droplets can be deposited on the reader itself, for example if the code reader is positioned just above the brewing chamber, such as Figures 4A to 4K Such contact operation is recommended as shown in the specific exemplary embodiments.

[0225] The code reader 7 is held in a frame 72 that is movable inside the main chassis 9 of the extraction device, in particular, the frame 72 is able to slide in the ridges of the main chassis that enable the frame 72 to move back and forth away from and towards the path 41 of the insertion section, respectively. By default or at rest, the frame 72 is positioned outside the path 41 of the insertion section.

[0226] The movement of the frame 72 is controlled by:

[0227] - Elbow mechanism 75,

[0228] - holding device 73,

[0229] - A main lever 74 for actuating the elbow mechanism.

[0230] The elbow member 75 is connected to the main member 74 at a first end 75a and is connected to the main member 74 at a second end 75b by a spring 751 ( Figure 7B ) is indirectly connected to the frame 72.

[0231] The retaining means 73 are attached to the main chassis 9 and are positioned to prevent the movement of the frame 72. The retaining means may be made movable to free the frame 72 at a step of a loading operation of the pad holder, such as described below.

[0232] The elbow mechanism is actuated by movement of the main lever 74, which is attached to a return spring 741 configured to move the lever back to its rest position.

[0233] The main rod 74 is positioned relative to the path 41 of the insertion section so that the end 742 of the main rod is actuated by the rod pusher 65 designed in the bag support ( Figure 3A ): In this specific embodiment, when the bag holder 6 slides in the path 41, the transverse rod pusher 65 of the bag holder pushes the rod end 742 against the force of the rod return spring 741 and thus actuates the elbow rod 75. However, due to the presence of the retaining device 73 in front of the frame 72, the frame of the code reader cannot move. Therefore, the movement of the elbow rod 75 generates the tension of the elbow rod spring 751.

[0234] The retaining device 73 comprises a first end 73a which is positioned by default in front of a portion of the frame 72 of the code reader and prevents any movement of the frame in the direction of the path 41 of the insertion section. The retaining device is designed so that its second end 73b is actuated by a retainer pusher 66 designed in the bag support ( Figure 3A ), so that when the bag holder 6 slides in the path 41, the retainer pusher 66 pushes the second end 72b of the retaining device, which also has the effect of displacing the first end 72a of the retaining device and has the effect of allowing the frame 72 of the code reader to move freely in the direction of the path 41 of the insertion section, wherein the bag holder is present in the insertion section and therefore the bag is present.

[0235] The lever pusher 65 and the holder pusher 66 are designed in the bag holder so that the lever pusher actuates the lever 74 and the lever 74 is able to tension the elbow lever spring 751 before the holder pusher 66 moves the second end 73b of the holder and indirectly the first end 73a of the holder. Thus, when the holder 73 stops blocking the frame 72 of the code reader, the elbow lever 75 pushes the frame in the direction of the path 41, which is placed under the tension of its elbow lever spring 751.

[0236] The bag holder 6 is designed so that when its holder pusher 66 moves the second end 73b of the holding device and allows the frame 72 of the code reader to move freely, the cover 32 of the bag held in the bag holder 6 is positioned in front of the code reader 71, and in particular, the part of the cover including the code faces the code reader, thereby forcing the code reader to face the code.

[0237] In a preferred embodiment, the cover of the capsule holds a code that can be read on any surface of the cover, for example a code repeated multiple times on the surface of the cover, so that the code can be read regardless of the position of the capsule and the cover in the capsule holder (such as Figure 3A As illustrated in the example, when the code reader is in contact with a portion of the cover, the code reader can read the code.

[0238] Figure 7C yes Figure 2D An enlarged view of the insertion section 4 (in Figure 2D This clearly shows the position of the rod end 742 and the second end 73b of the retaining device in the transverse part of the path 41 of the insertion section. Fig.7D Corresponding to the Figure 7B A vertical cross-sectional view of plane AA in FIG. 1 and showing the relative vertical position of the rod end 742 and the second end 73b of the retaining device, when the rod end 742 and the second end 73b of the retaining device are placed in the vertical direction. Figure 3A When the illustrated pad holder is introduced into the insertion section, the rod end 742 is pushed by the pad holder before the second end 73 b of the retaining device.

[0239] Preferably, the bag support 6 is designed so that the holder pusher 66 is configured to reach the bottom of the bag support 6 when it abuts against the holding device 42 and is stopped by the holding device. Figure 4D In the illustrated intermediate position, the retaining means 73 are pushed and the frame of the reader is moved to the capsule cover 32. Figure 4D In this position, the movement of the capsule holder stops and, since the capsule has not moved, the code reader can correctly read the code. Furthermore, since the second step of introducing the capsule holder in the extraction area requires moving the handle 8 to the closed position, the operator must remove the handle 8 before leaving the capsule holder 6 (before pulling the handle 8). Figure 4D and Figure 4E There is enough time for the code reader to read the code.

[0240] Preferably, when the rod end 742 is pushed by the bag support, a portion of the rod 74 is configured to simultaneously activate the code reading operation by positioning a micro switch connected to the code reader. Therefore, the code reader is simultaneously positioned for efficient reading and powering the reading operation.

[0241] like Figure 4EAs illustrated, when the handle 8 is pulled and the pad holder 6 is accordingly pulled to the extraction area via the stopper 42 , the code reader is preferably retracted from the insertion path 41 to avoid damage, in particular scratches, to the front of the code reader by sliding along the pad cover 32 .

[0242] In the illustrated embodiment, the design of the rod end 742 of the bag holder and the rod pusher 65 is constructed so that when the bag holder 6 is in the intermediate position, the rod end 742 is hardly held by the rod pusher 65 anymore, but is held by the rod catcher 811 attached to one of the interrelated elbow rods 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod pusher 65 is designed to position the rod end 742 relative to the rod catcher during the movement to introduce the bag holder into the intermediate position.

[0243] When the handle 8 is pulled and the bag holder 6 is driven from the intermediate position to the extraction area, the rod pusher of the bag holder slides downwards and at the same time the rod catcher 811 is moved by the handle and frees the rod end 742. Thus, with the help of the rod spring 741, the rod 74 is pushed back to its default position and the elbow rod 75 is folded back, which moves the frame 72 of the code reader out of the path 41 and back to the default position as shown in FIG. Figure 4F Its original resting position is illustrated.

[0244] FIG. 7E to FIG. 7F The interaction of the rod catcher 811 with the rod 74 is illustrated.

[0245] The extraction device presents the advantage of a reading operation carried out by an operation of the user introducing the capsule holder inside the intermediate position. This operation does not require the use of any motor and remains invisible to the user.

[0246] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed is not in any way limited to these illustrative embodiments.

[0247] Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In addition, where known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents shall be incorporated as if explicitly mentioned in this specification.

[0248] As used in this specification, the words "include", "comprises" and similar words should not be understood as having exclusive or exhaustive meanings. In other words, these words are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

[0249] List of references in the accompanying drawings :

[0250] Beverage device 10

[0251] Downstream encapsulation component 1

[0252] Downstream plate piercing arrangement 12

[0253] Nail 121

[0254] Surrounding area 13

[0255] Groove 131

[0256] Upstream encapsulation component 2

[0257] Cage 21

[0258] Edge 211

[0259] Upstream piercing arrangement 22

[0260] Rising element 23

[0261] Liquid injector 25

[0262] Bag 3, 3'

[0263] Main body 31, 31'

[0264] Side walls 311, 311'

[0265] Top end 3111

[0266] Top opening 312

[0267] Bottom wall 313

[0268] Annular flange 314

[0269] Top surface 3141

[0270] Bottom surface 3142

[0271] Cap 32

[0272] Ring area 321

[0273] Peripheral annular area 322

[0274] Beverage ingredients 33

[0275] Machine readable code 34

[0276] Insertion section 4

[0277] Path 41

[0278] Bracket stopper 42 Extraction chamber 5 Removable capsule support 6

[0279] Packet receiving hole 61 Hole surround 611 Tongue 612 Seal 62 Ridge 621 Handle 63 Front 641 Back 642 Bottom 643 Slot 644 Rod pusher 65 Retainer pusher 66 Code reader assembly 7

[0280] Code Reader 71

[0281] Frame 72

[0282] Holding device 73 The first end portion 73a The second end portion 73b Rod 74 Rod spring 741 Rod end 742 Elbow rod 75 The first end portion 75a The second end portion 75b Elbow rod spring 751 Actuator 8

[0283] Interrelated elbow members 81

[0284] Rod catcher 811

[0285] Chassis 9

Claims

1. An extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extraction liquid into a capsule, The capsule (3) comprises: - a capsule body (31), the capsule body comprising: side walls (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber extending axially between the bottom and top openings (312), and - a top cover (32) closing the top opening of the pad body, - a machine-readable code (34) storing preparation information, said code being arranged on said pad, and The device comprises upstream and downstream capsule-enclosing parts (1, 2) which are relatively movable, preferably in translation, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and removing the capsule (3) and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (5) enclosing the capsule during extraction, The device comprises a code reader (71), The device comprises: - a removable pad holder (6), said holder comprising a pad receiving hole (61) for receiving and holding said pad, - a top insertion section (4) configured for introducing the capsule holder (6) into the device, the top insertion section comprising a path (41) for guiding the capsule holder to an extraction area between the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part (1, 2), and a bag support stopper (42) for stopping the bag support (6) at an intermediate temporary position inside the path (41), and wherein, in the intermediate temporary position, the capsule holder (6) is configured to hold the capsule so that the code (34) arranged on the capsule faces the code reader (71), and During the introduction of the bag holder into the device, when the bag holder reaches the intermediate temporary position, the movement of the bag holder (6) triggers the code reader to read the code.

2. Extraction device according to the previous claim, wherein the capsule receiving hole (61) and the top insertion section (4) are constructed to orient the code (34) in front of the code reader (71) when the capsule holder (6) is in an intermediate position.

3. The extraction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the code reader (71) is movable between: a retracted position in which the code reader is positioned outside the path (41) of the insertion section, and a reading position in which the code reader extends into the path (41) of the insertion section, and During the introduction of the capsule holder into the device, when the capsule holder reaches the intermediate temporary position, the movement of the code reader (7) from the retracted position to the reading position is triggered by the capsule holder (6).

4. Extraction device according to the preceding claim, in which the movement of the code reader (7) is perpendicular to the movement of the capsule holder (6).

5. An extraction device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein when the bag holder moves from the intermediate temporary position to the extraction area, the bag holder (6) triggers the movement of the code reader (7) from the reading position back to the retracted position.

6. The extraction device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: During the movement of the capsule support (6) inside the path (41) of the insertion device, the frame of the code reader successively: - being spring-tensioned while being held in said retracted position by a retaining device (73), - then moved to the reading position by removing the holding device (73), and - Then returns to the retracted position by releasing the tension of the spring.

7. Extraction device according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the frame of the code reader is spring-tensioned via a lever (74) actuated by the bag holder (6), and - The retaining device (73) is moved by the pad support.

8. Extraction device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction device comprises an actuator (8) to move the capsule support (6) from the intermediate position to the extraction area between the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part (1, 2).

9. An extraction device according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator (8) is dynamically connected to the support stop (42) so that the stop (42) is constructed to move the bag support (61) from the intermediate position to the extraction area when the actuator (8) is operated.

10. Extraction device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the actuator (8) comprises a handle and when the downstream component and the upstream component (1, 2) are in the closed position, the handle closes the path (41) of the top insertion section.

11. The extraction device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein - the upstream part (2) defines a holder (21) and carries an upstream piercing arrangement (22) and a liquid injector (25) for opening the bottom wall (313) of the pad, - the downstream part (1) defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate comprising a downstream planar piercing arrangement (12) for opening the cover (32) of the pad, and - the actuator (8) is configured to move the upstream component and the downstream component (1, 2) between the open position and the closed position of the components.

12. A beverage preparation machine, comprising: An extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A system, comprising: The extraction device and the capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the beverage preparation machine and the capsule according to claim 12, wherein the capsule (3) comprises: - a capsule body (31) comprising side walls (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber, and - a top cover (32) closing the top opening of the pad body, and - a machine-readable code (34) storing preparation information, said code being arranged on said pad, preferably on said cover of said pad, and The pad holder (6) and the insertion section (4) are designed so that the cover faces the code reader (71) in the path (41) of the insertion section.

14. A method for preparing a beverage using an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a beverage machine according to claim 12 or a system according to claim 13, wherein the extraction device comprises an actuating device (8), the method comprising the following steps: - removing the capsule support (6) from the extraction device, - introducing the capsule (3) into the capsule holder, - introducing the capsule holder into the extraction device and downwardly into a temporary position, - Actuating the actuation device (8) to move the pad holder from the intermediate position to the extraction area.

15. Use of a capsule holder (6) in an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or in a beverage machine according to claim 12, wherein: - the pad holder comprises a pad receiving hole (61) for receiving and holding the pad, and The pad holder is designed to trigger a code reading operation during its introduction into the extraction device.

Images