Beverage extraction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising an extraction device and a capsule of a beverage preparation machine, where-the capsule comprises a capsule body and a top cover, and-the extraction device comprises:-an upstream capsule enclosing part and a downstream capsule enclosing part, the present invention relates to a capsule extraction device comprising an upstream capsule enclosing member and a downstream capsule enclosing member relatively translatable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule during extraction, the downstream member comprising a downstream planar piercing arrangement for opening the cover of the capsule, and wherein the body of the pouch and the cover are made of a multilayer paper material comprising a paper layer coated with at least one plastic layer, and the outer surface of the multilayer paper material of the top cover is covered with a layer having a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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 into which the container can be inserted and in which extraction takes place. Background Art

[0002] Single-cup containers for automatic preparation of beverages encompass various forms of containers that may be relatively soft or flexible (such as pods) and made of any material such as aluminum, plastic, filter paper that may be recyclable or non-recyclable, biodegradable or non-biodegradable.

[0003] WO 2020 / 089404 describes a system for extracting a beverage from such soft or flexible capsules. These capsules present an asymmetrical shape relative to a plane including the flange of the capsule. The extraction device is provided with an extraction chamber configured to adapt its size according to the shape and volume of the introduced capsule. The extraction chamber comprises:

[0004] an upstream part defining a holder and carrying an upstream piercing arrangement for opening the bottom wall of the pad and a liquid injector for supplying liquid through the opened bottom wall, and

[0005] - A downstream part defining a plate comprising a downstream planar piercing arrangement for opening the cover of the pad.

[0006] During the extraction process, water is supplied into the capsule through the opened bottom wall, which increases the pressure inside the capsule. The downstream planar piercing arrangement is designed to open the cover by engaging the cover against the piercing arrangement under the effect of this pressure increase of the injected liquid in the capsule body chamber and the expansion of the cover against the piercing arrangement.

[0007] In order to respect the environment, it is now necessary to use capsules made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, in particular substantially made of paper. These new materials present particular properties and lead to specific problems during the handling of the capsules in beverage preparation and extraction devices, in particular different mechanical properties before and after extraction.

[0008] WO 2020 / 114995 and WO 2022 / 022899 describe such biodegradable capsules made of paper and that can be used in the above-mentioned system. During coffee preparation, significant inconsistencies were observed in the quality of the coffee obtained from the same capsules, even though the capsules were identical. In particular, it was noted that the quality of the first cup of coffee produced from the machine after a long period of non-use was different from the quality of the coffee subsequently produced after this first cup of coffee.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pad according to claim 1 and a pad according to claim 10 .

[0011] In a first aspect, a system is provided, the system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing a beverage ingredient,

[0012] The capsule includes:

[0013] - a first encapsulation wall and a second encapsulation wall, said first capsule encapsulation wall and said second capsule encapsulation wall defining a chamber for encapsulating the beverage ingredient, wherein said first capsule encapsulation wall and said second capsule encapsulation wall of the capsule are made of a multi-layer paper material, said material comprising a paper layer and at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer, assembled together, and wherein said multi-layer paper material is oriented such that said plastic layer faces an inner part of the chamber of the capsule,

[0014] and

[0015] Wherein the machine comprises an extraction device, and the device comprises:

[0016] an upstream capsule-closing member and a downstream capsule-closing member capable of relative translation along the longitudinal axis between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule during extraction,

[0017] the upstream part carries an upstream piercing arrangement and a liquid injector for opening the first wall of the pad,

[0018] - the downstream part comprises a downstream piercing arrangement for opening the second wall of the pad,

[0019] and

[0020] wherein in at least the second wall of the pouch, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer, and

[0021] The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

[0022] The extraction device is typically included in a beverage preparation machine, which is configured to receive a capsule. For example, the machine is a coffee, tea, chocolate or soup preparation machine, preferably a coffee machine. In particular, the machine is arranged for preparing a beverage in an extraction chamber by passing water, preferably hot water, or another liquid through a capsule containing an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, such as roasted and ground coffee, or tea leaves, or instant coffee, or instant tea, or chocolate, or cocoa, or milk powder, or dehydrated soup. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is roasted and ground coffee.

[0023] The device is configured for extracting beverage ingredients contained in a capsule by supplying an extraction liquid such as water into the capsule. The device comprises an upstream capsule enclosing part and a downstream capsule enclosing part which are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting such a capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule during extraction of the beverage ingredients.

[0024] Typically, the capsule can be inserted into the device from above under the effect of gravity. The ejection or removal of the capsule when the enclosing part is reopened can also be driven by gravity.

[0025] The upstream and downstream pad-closing members are relatively movable in translation along the longitudinal axis (XX′) between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pad and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the pad during extraction.

[0026] The upstream part or injection part comprises an upstream piercing arrangement in the form of one or more piercers for piercing the first wall of the inserted pad and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the pierced first wall of the pad.

[0027] The upstream piercing arrangement may include a piercer in the form of a blade. The blades may be designed and positioned to pierce the first wall of the pad body when the upstream pad enclosure and the downstream pad enclosure are placed in the closed position. The liquid injector, such as a sprayer located at the upstream part of the holder, may introduce the extraction liquid through the pre-pierced opening.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the upstream piercing arrangement structure may include at least one hollow needle, which is configured to pierce the wall of the bottom of the capsule body, and the hollow needle may include an internal axial channel for guiding the extraction liquid in the chamber of the capsule.

[0029] The downstream part or distribution part defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the plate extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX'. The plate of the downstream part includes a downstream plane piercing arrangement for opening the second wall of the bag when the extraction liquid is introduced into the interior of the bag. Generally, the downstream plane piercing arrangement is designed to open the second wall by relative engagement with the cover under the action of the increased pressure of the injection liquid in the chamber of the bag and the expansion of the second wall against the piercing arrangement. The downstream plane piercing arrangement may include a rigid plate, which includes opening elements such as a plurality of convex and concave elements on its surface turned toward the second wall, which opening elements may have the shape of a cone or a pyramid, optionally truncated at its ends.

[0030] Furthermore, the plate comprises perforations for draining the beverage dispensed from the opened closure to a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0031] Typically, the shape of the upstream part and the enclosing part of the extraction device is defined according to the shape of the pad it is configured to extract from.

[0032] In a first embodiment of the system:

[0033] - The capsule is constructed such that:

[0034] The first enclosing wall is a capsule body, the capsule body comprising side walls and a bottom wall defining the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange, the capsule body containing the beverage ingredient, and

[0035] The second enclosing wall is a top cover attached to the peripheral flange, the top cover closing the top opening of the bag body,

[0036] and

[0037] - The extraction device is constructed such that:

[0038] the upstream part defining a retaining frame designed to enclose the capsule body and to carry an upstream piercing arrangement for opening the bottom wall of the capsule,

[0039] The downstream part defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising a downstream piercing arrangement for opening the cover of the capsule.

[0040] In this first embodiment, the capsule presents an asymmetrical shape.

[0041] When a capsule is present, the capsule body is surrounded by the holder of the upstream part and the capsule cover extends along the downstream piercing arrangement. The asymmetric shape of the capsule has the advantage of forcing the operator to correctly position the capsule inside the extraction device, precisely with the cover in front of the downstream piercing arrangement.

[0042] In a second embodiment of the system:

[0043] - The capsule is constructed such that:

[0044] . Each of the first enclosing wall and the second enclosing wall is a bag body, the bag body including a side wall and a bottom wall defining half of the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange,

[0045] . the circumferential annular body flanges of the bag body are attached together,

[0046] and

[0047] The extraction device is configured such that the upstream part and the downstream part together define a holder for enclosing the pad.

[0048] In this second embodiment, generally speaking, the upstream encapsulation part and the downstream encapsulation part present similar shapes corresponding to the half-shells, and the capsule is symmetrical along the plane defined by the flange. Thus, the capsule can be oriented indifferently so that the first encapsulation wall or the second encapsulation wall faces the upstream capsule encapsulation part or the downstream encapsulation part. For this purpose, preferably, the two encapsulation walls have the same properties of material as described below.

[0049] Generally speaking, the extraction device may include an insertion section for inserting the capsule into the device. Generally speaking, the section is positioned above the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part, so that the capsule is inserted between these two parts by gravity. Depending on the shape of the capsule, the insertion section may be designed so as to encourage the user to position the capsule with its cover facing the downstream piercing arrangement.

[0050] Generally speaking, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream enclosure component. The liquid supply system may include:

[0051] - a liquid supply source, such as a liquid tank,

[0052] - a pumping member for driving liquid from a liquid supply source to the extraction device,

[0053] - Heating and / or cooling means which adapt the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pad.

[0054] The liquid is typically water.

[0055] The beverage machine usually comprises a manual or electric actuator for actuating the movement of the enclosing part of the extraction device.

[0056] Typically, the beverage machine comprises a control unit configured to control the supply of liquid to the extraction device and optionally the movement of the enclosing member of the extraction device.

[0057] Typically, the system is configured to extract a coffee beverage from a capsule comprising roasted and ground coffee. In the process of preparing a coffee beverage from the system, at least the following steps occur:

[0058] - inserting the capsule between the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part positioned in their open position. Typically, the capsule is received in a capsule holder which holds the capsule on a longitudinal axis (XX') between the two capsule enclosing parts which are held away from each other in their open position.

[0059] - Then, the upstream capsule enclosing part and / or the downstream capsule enclosing part are moved relative to each other into their closed position so as to form the extraction chamber enclosing the capsule for the upcoming extraction. In this step, the outer surfaces of the first wall and the second wall of the capsule come into contact with the surfaces of the upstream piercing arrangement and the downstream piercing arrangement. Due to the nature of the paper material of the capsule, the water present on the surface of the upstream piercing arrangement and the downstream piercing arrangement may already have an influence on the properties of the paper material at the moment when the upstream capsule enclosing part and / or the downstream capsule enclosing part encloses the capsule, even though extraction has not yet started.

[0060] - Extraction water is then injected by the liquid injector through the hole pierced by the upstream piercing arrangement inside the first wall of the pod. As the water is injected, it fills the chamber of the pod. The pressure increases until the second wall of the pod opens. The opening occurs when the pressure expands the second wall to such an extent that its engagement with the downstream piercing arrangement tears or pierces the second wall. Once the tear occurs, the coffee extracted from the roasted and ground coffee by pressurizing the water flows and is dispensed from the machine. The tear should not occur before the pressure inside the pod increases, otherwise the pressure required to obtain the desired coffee extraction cannot be reached and an under-extracted coffee beverage is dispensed. Furthermore, it is required that each pod opens at the same pressure and while operating, in order to always obtain the same appearance and organoleptic characteristics of the coffee beverage.

[0061] Depending on the nature of the closure, the surface of the closure of the bladder may become squishy when it contacts the wet downstream piercing arrangement. In this case, the pressure required to pierce the closure may become very high, with the risk of not being able to pierce the closure at all if the pump is not powerful enough.

[0062] In the present system, the first pad enclosure wall and the second pad enclosure wall of the pad are made of a multi-layer paper material comprising a paper layer and at least one plastic layer assembled together.

[0063] Preferably, all components of the pad, in particular all components of the multi-layer paper material, are compostable.

[0064] The paper layers of the multi-layer paper material may be deformable paper sheets.

[0065] Alternatively, and at least for the pad body, the paper layer may be formed by:

[0066] - Wet pulp molding. Wherein, the process of forming the body may include the following steps: placing a pulp slurry in a mold, for example by filling the mold with the slurry or by dipping the mold into the slurry. The pulp slurry may be pressed in the mold, and the body so formed may be dried. The pulp may be any form of material, such as cellulose pulp, bamboo pulp, wood pulp, bagasse, non-wood pulp, cellulose-based pulp or other alternative pulp sources.

[0067] or

[0068] - Dry pulp molding. Therein, the process of forming the body may include the step of providing a blank of preferably dry cellulose fibers. The blank may then be formed into the shape of the body using a tool, preferably under application of heat and / or water.

[0069] Preferably, the paper layer of the multi-layer paper has a thickness of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150g / m 2 The paper layer forming the body may have a higher grammage than the paper layer forming the cover because the paper layer needs to be deformed during manufacturing.

[0070] The paper layers of the multi-layer paper material may also be identified as primary layers in the present application.

[0071] Whatever the type of the paper layer, this layer is assembled with at least one plastic layer. This plastic layer may also be identified as a second layer in the present application.

[0072] The plastic layer may be selected from the following list:

[0073] - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer,

[0074] - a polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer,

[0075] - a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer,

[0076] - a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer,

[0077] - a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer,

[0078] - A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above mentioned polymers.

[0079] The paper layer may be assembled together with several of these different plastic layers.

[0080] The plastic layer reinforces the paper layer's protection of the beverage ingredients from liquids, gases and moisture.

[0081] In addition to these paper and plastic layers, the multi-layer paper material may preferably comprise an additional layer of a material providing a barrier to oxygen. This layer may also be identified as a third layer in the present application.

[0082] The layer can be selected from the following list:

[0083] - a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH), in particular a layer of a butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH),

[0084] - a polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer,

[0085] -Metallic coating,

[0086] -SiO x Base coating,

[0087] -AlO x Base coating,

[0088] - A combination of these.

[0089] In a specific embodiment where the additional or third layer is a plastic polymer, the second layer and the third layer may be assembled together as a multilayer plastic film. In this embodiment, the multilayer plastic layer may include an inner third layer positioned between two outer second layers.

[0090] Preferably, the inner third layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, in particular a butene vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0091] Preferably, the outer second polymer layer can be selected from polylactic acid (PLA) film, polybutylene succinate (PBS) film, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film and starch film. The second film can also be composed of a polymer blend formed by any combination of these listed polymers.

[0092] Preferably, the three layers are attached by two intermediate adhesive layers, preferably anhydride-modified polymer resins. Generally, the multilayer plastic layers are produced by coextrusion.

[0093] The multi-ply paper material may further comprise an ink print on one of its surfaces. The ink print is preferably food safe.

[0094] The assembly of the layers can be achieved by any type of process depending on the nature of the different layers of material, such as:

[0095] - co-lamination or co-extrusion of these layers,

[0096] - coating or depositing one compound on another layer to form a layer on another layer,

[0097] - Coextrusion coating.

[0098] Furthermore, the different layers may be bonded to one another via an intermediate adhesive layer.

[0099] Generally speaking, the first and second enveloping walls are made of the same multi-layer paper material, except that at least for the second enveloping wall the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer. Depending on the type of the capsule, all enveloping walls may be covered by the protective layer, in particular in the case where the capsule can be introduced into the interior of the extraction device in any orientation, as in the second embodiment of the capsule described above.

[0100] This protective layer can be:

[0101] - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer,

[0102] - a cellulose layer (cellophane),

[0103] - a polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer,

[0104] - a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer,

[0105] - a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer,

[0106] - a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer,

[0107] - A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the polymers listed above.

[0108] Preferably, the protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose, in particular Cellophane TM .

[0109] Furthermore, the outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

[0110] By outer surface is meant the surface of the multilayer paper material outside the chamber of the capsule, ie the surface of the capsule which is in contact with the downstream piercing arrangement of the downstream capsule closing part of the extraction device during the beverage preparation.

[0111] The surface tension of the outer surface of the protective layer is measured by a method based on contact angle measurement according to standard ISO 19403-2:2017.

[0112] The outer surface of the cover having a low surface tension as defined above avoids any quality difference in the preparation of a beverage, in particular coffee, between a first cup of beverage prepared with the extraction device used for the first time of the day (and implicitly dry) and a second cup of beverage prepared with the extraction device just after having been used to prepare the first beverage (and implicitly wet).

[0113] In a second aspect, there is provided a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule comprises a first enclosure wall and a second enclosure wall, the capsule enclosure walls defining a chamber, the chamber containing a beverage ingredient,

[0114] wherein the first capsule enclosure wall and the second capsule enclosure wall of the capsule are made of a multi-layer paper material, the material comprising paper layers and at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer, assembled together, and

[0115] wherein the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces the interior portion of the chamber of the pad,

[0116] and

[0117] wherein in at least the second capsule enclosure wall, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer, and

[0118] The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

[0119] In this application:

[0120] - 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, box, portion pack or individual pack, without being limited to the shape of the container, in particular the shape of the body, or the type of piercing member required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0121] - The expression "compostable material" may be understood as any material which can be decomposed into environmentally harmless products by (the action of) organisms, such as microorganisms, for example bacteria, fungi or algae. The process may be carried out in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) and / or in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic). This may be understood to mean, for example, that composting can be carried out without reservation. In particular, at the end of the composting process, there are no residues of material which could be problematic for the environment, or any non-biodegradable components.

[0122] International standards (eg EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400) specify technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0123] 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

[0124] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0125] - Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a view of a capsule for use in the system of the invention according to a first embodiment,

[0126] - Figure 1C and Figure 1D is a view of a capsule for use in the system of the invention according to a second embodiment,

[0127] - Figure 1E Schematically illustrating the multi-layer paper material of the pouch,

[0128] - Figure 2A and Figure 2B are side and top views of an extraction device in a closed position for use in the system of the present invention,

[0129] - Figure 3A is a separated side view of an upstream capsule enclosing part and a downstream capsule enclosing part of the extraction device in an open position,

[0130] - Figure 3Bis in closed position Figure 3A A side view of the separation of the upstream bladder enclosing component and the downstream bladder enclosing component,

[0131] - Figure 3C It is in the ejection position of the capsule Figure 3A A side view of the separation of the upstream bladder enclosing component and the downstream bladder enclosing component,

[0132] - Figure 4A yes Figure 3A An isolated perspective view of the upstream bladder encapsulation component,

[0133] - Figure 4B yes Figure 3A An isolated perspective view of the piercing arrangement of the downstream capsule encapsulation component,

[0134] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4B An enlarged view of the opening element of the piercing arrangement structure.

[0135] - Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fluid system of a beverage preparation machine,

[0136] - Figure 7 is a graph of the water pressure measured in the system during beverage preparation using different capsules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] Figure 1A (Perspective) and Figure 1B (Exploded view) illustrates a first embodiment of a capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0138] 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 outward from the side wall 311 along the circumference of the opening 312.

[0139] The flange includes a top surface 3142 facing the top and a bottom surface 3141 .

[0140] Generally speaking, any transverse cross-section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0141] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0142] The beverage ingredient packaged is preferably an ingredient that can be extracted under pressure like roast and ground coffee.

[0143] In a less preferred manner, the beverage ingredient may be brewed like tea leaves or dissolved like 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 beverage concentrate such as a syrup or milk concentrate.

[0144] Powders can be compacted, agglomerated or fired.

[0145] The capsule includes a cover 32 that is secured, sealed or attached to at least a portion of the top surface 3142 of the circumferential flange and thereby covers and closes the top opening 312 .

[0146] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be pierced so that liquid can be injected into the bladder through the pierced opening, as further described below. Figure 1A to Figure 1B In the embodiment, the bottom is relatively flat, however the bottom may have other shapes, such as a conical or frusto-conical shape.

[0147] The cover 32 is adapted to open during injection of liquid by relative engagement with the piercing arrangement under the effect of the increased liquid pressure inside the pad.

[0148] The shape of the pad is symmetrical relative to a central axial axis ZZ′ extending from the bottom wall to the cover and is asymmetrical relative to the plane of the cover 32 and the flange 314 .

[0149] Preferably, the pad 3 is substantially made of a biodegradable or compostable material, preferably a home compostable material, as the extracted coffee cake can be easily composted at home.

[0150] Preferably, the body and the cover of the pad are made from a multi-layer paper material comprising a paper layer coated with at least one plastic layer.

[0151] In this multi-layer paper material, the paper layers are formable, i.e. the paper sheets can be given a three-dimensional shape, which is in the form of the body of the pad as described above. In contrast to ordinary pads made of filter paper, the paper is thicker and retains the three-dimensional shape set during the forming step of making the pad.

[0152] Preferably, the paper layer of the pad may have a thickness of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150g / m 2 The paper of the main body may have a higher grammage than the paper of the cover because the paper of the main body needs to be deformed during manufacturing.

[0153] The weight of the paper of the main body can be included in 80g / m 2 Up to 150g / m 2 between.

[0154] The cover may have a thickness of 20 g / m 2 Up to 120g / m 2 The weight between.

[0155] In multi-layer paper materials, the plastic layer provides additional properties, such as an air barrier, stretchable or deformable properties, for example as described in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0156] Indeed, in order to shape the paper into a container for the beverage and to form a barrier for protecting the beverage ingredients, the paper must be sufficiently thick. Furthermore, in order to form a barrier to oxygen of the atmosphere, to which roasted and ground coffee is particularly sensitive, the multi-layer paper preferably comprises a compostable plastic layer. A sealant layer is usually required to attach the different layers and prevent delamination.

[0157] According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic layer of the multi-layer paper is a multi-layer plastic layer comprising an inner barrier film positioned between two outer polymer films, wherein:

[0158] - The inner barrier film is a butene vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film (third layer),

[0159] - The outer polymer film may be selected from polylactic acid (PLA) film, polybutylene succinate (PBS) film, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film and starch film (second layer).

[0160] The multi-layer paper material of the cover comprises at least one additional layer, which the paper material of the main body does not necessarily have to comprise. However, the multi-layer paper material of the cover and the main body may also be identical.

[0161] Precisely, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the top cover is covered by the protective layer such that the outer surface of the cover has a surface tension below 40 dynes / cm, preferably below 38 dynes / cm, even below 36 dynes / cm.

[0162] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose.

[0163] Figure 1E Schematically illustrated is a multi-layer paper of the cover 32, which comprises, from the inner surface facing the chamber to the outer surface facing the outside of the pad:

[0164] - a plastic layer B having barrier properties,

[0165] -Plastic layer A,

[0166] -Protective layer C.

[0167] Figure 1C (Perspective) and Figure 1D (Exploded view) illustrates a second embodiment of a capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0168] The pad comprises identical first and second enclosure walls 31, 31': each of them comprises a pad body 311, 311' defining half of a chamber and a circumferential annular body flange 314, 314', and

[0169] The circumferential annular main body flanges of the capsule body are attached together so as to define a chamber for containing beverage ingredients 33.

[0170] With this second embodiment, the capsule shape is symmetrical relative to a plane extending from the bottom wall to the cover and relative to the attached flanges 314, 314'. The capsule can thus be oriented indifferently inside the extraction device, with the first encapsulation wall 31 or the second encapsulation wall 31' facing the upstream capsule encapsulation part. For this purpose, preferably, the two encapsulation parts 31, 31' have the same multilayer paper material, with the outer surface being coated as Figure 1E The illustrated protective layer C covers.

[0171] The following description relates to the ability to be used in an advantageous manner with Figure 1A , Figure 1B The extraction device is used together with the above-mentioned capsule 3 of the first embodiment.

[0172] For pads according to the second embodiment, the following description applies, with the difference that the extraction device must be adapted to receive such pads. For example, extraction devices described in WO2007 / 135135, WO2004 / 071259, WO2013026844 or EP1767129 may be used.

[0173] Figure 2A is a side view of an extraction device 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 a closed position and form an extraction chamber which is configured to enclose the capsule during extraction. The capsule is introduced via an insertion section 4 positioned above the two enclosing parts 1, 2, from which it can fall by gravity to the two enclosing parts 1, 2. After extraction, when the two enclosing parts 1, 2 are moved away from each other, the capsule can fall again by gravity below the two enclosing parts. Arrow F illustrates the movement of the capsule from insertion inside the extraction device to ejection from the device.

[0174] The two capsule encapsulating parts 1, 2 are held between two lateral and longitudinal metal sheets 6a, 6b and can be moved between them. At least one of these parts can be moved in translation between the two sheets in order to assess different relative and functional positions. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the downstream encapsulating part 1 is fixed and only the upstream encapsulating part 2 can be moved forward and backward along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0175] Figure 2B is a top view of the extraction device in the same relative position of the upstream capsule enclosing part 2 and the downstream capsule enclosing part 1. The insertion section 4, in particular its housing, is designed so that the capsule 2 can be introduced with its cover 32 facing the downstream capsule enclosing part 1 and therefore facing the piercing arrangement 12 of said enclosing part, as will be explained below. Thus, the user is encouraged to correctly position the asymmetric capsule 3 inside the extraction device.

[0176] like Figure 6 As exemplified in FIG. 1 , in a beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device, the upstream capsule encapsulation component (specifically, the liquid injector 25) is connected to a liquid supply source, preferably pressurized water. The liquid supply system generally comprises:

[0177] - a liquid supply source, such as a liquid tank 74,

[0178] a pump 72 for driving liquid from a liquid supply source to the liquid injector 25,

[0179] - Heating and / or cooling means 73 for adapting the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pad by the liquid injector.

[0180] The beverage machine comprises a control unit 8 which is configured to supply liquid to the extraction device.

[0181] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are in different relative and functional positions Figure 2A , Figure 2B 1 and 2 of an extraction device of FIG. 1 . In these isolated views, the insert section 4 and the longitudinal sheets 6a, 6b are removed in order to better see the different elements of the parts 1, 2. Furthermore, the position of the pad 3 is schematically illustrated in dashed lines.

[0182] exist Figure 3A In the embodiment, the upstream capsule enclosing part 2 and the downstream capsule enclosing part 1 are positioned in an open position for inserting a capsule from the upper side. A capsule holder 11 can be seen in front of the downstream capsule enclosing part 1 in a receiving position for receiving and holding a capsule, as described below with reference to Figure 4A Further described.

[0183] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment, the upstream capsule enclosing member 2 and the downstream capsule enclosing member 1 are positioned in a closed position and form an extraction chamber enclosing the capsule during extraction.

[0184] Figure 3C The upstream capsule encapsulation component 2 is illustrated as being Figure 3B The moment when the closed position moves to the capsule ejection position as shown by arrow H.

[0185] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B An isolated perspective view of the upstream capsule encapsulation component 2.

[0186] The upstream part defines a hollow holder or cavity 21 for enclosing the pad body.

[0187] The upstream wall of the holder carries an upstream piercing arrangement 22 for opening the bottom wall 313 of the pad body. The upstream wall comprises at least one liquid injector 25 for supplying liquid into the pad through a hole opened in the bottom wall of the pad.

[0188] The upstream piercing arrangement may include piercers in the form of blades. These blades may be designed and positioned so that when the upstream capsule enclosing member and the downstream capsule enclosing member are placed in a manner such as Figure 3B The liquid injector 25, such as a sprayer located at the upstream wall of the retainer, can introduce the extraction liquid into the retainer and introduce the extraction liquid through the pre-pierced opening.

[0189] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A 2. The downstream part 1 defines a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. The plate comprises a fixed central downstream plane piercing arrangement 12 for opening the cover 32 of the capsule when extraction liquid is introduced into the capsule interior and expands the cover.

[0190] Typically, the central downstream planar piercing arrangement 12 is circular, similar to the cover of a bladder.

[0191] The opening occurs by the relative engagement of the spike and the cover under the effect of the pressure increase of the injected liquid in the capsule body chamber. 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 draining the beverage dispensed from the opened cover to a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0192] The downstream component 1 comprises a pad holder 11 attached to a peripheral area 13 .

[0193] When attached, the pad holder can be moved between two positions. Figure 4B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the pad holder 11 is in a first position for receiving a pad and holding the pad's cover in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement.

[0194] The pair of retaining elements 11a, lib are movable from a receiving position to a second, retracted position at a lateral side of the downstream planar piercing arrangement.

[0195] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the downstream plane piercing arrangement of the plate 12 and the opening element 121. The perforations 122 are designed so that their upstream ends (arranged at the side of the plate facing the capsule) are arranged in a portion of the opening element 121. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the opening element 121 is a cone with a sharp end, and the upstream ends of the perforations extend from the bottom of the cone along a portion of the side of the cone.

[0196] This design of the upstream end of the aperture is preferred when the multi-layer paper of the cover is thick, as it ensures that the aperture is not blocked by the thick paper material and the extracted coffee can be dispensed through the aperture 122.

[0197] However for other multi-ply papers, other types of opening elements 121 of the downstream plane piercing arrangement, such as truncated pyramids, may be implemented.

[0198] Example

[0199] according to Figure 1A , Figure 1B Different coffee capsules 3 containing 8.8 g of roasted and ground coffee are manufactured into covers 32 of different materials, and then in a package including such as Figures 2A to 5 The extraction device is illustrated in the beverage preparation machine.

[0200] The multi-layer paper material of the body 31 of the pad has a thickness of 195 μm and comprises:

[0201] - an outer paper layer, and

[0202] - an inner plastic layer comprising an inner barrier film positioned between two outer polymer films, wherein:

[0203] The inner barrier film is a BVOH sheet (Nichigo G-Polymer supplied by Nippon Goshei TM ),and

[0204] The two outer polymer films are of the same nature and are polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate

[0205] (PBAT) polymer blend (supplied by BASF 40

[0206] FS23N1).

[0207] The main bodies of all the capsules are made of the same above-mentioned materials. However, the materials of the capsule covers are different, which will be described below.

[0208] The multi-layer paper material of the cover 32 of the pad has a thickness of about 165 μm and comprises:

[0209] - an inner plastic layer B, which is the same as the inner plastic layer used for the body of the pad,

[0210] - an intermediate layer of paper A having a lower thickness than the paper layers used in the main multi-layer paper material, and

[0211] - an outer protective layer C selected from among the layers of Table 1.

[0212] In Table 1 the composition and the surface tension of the surface of layer C oriented on the outside of the capsule are shown.

[0213] All listed protective layers were supplied by Futamura and differ from one another by surface treatments providing different surface tension values.

[0214] Table 1

[0215] Product name of protective layer Composition Surface tension of the layer outside the cover (dynes / cm) Cellophane 23NE Regenerated cellulose 32 Cellophane LMS Regenerated cellulose 34 Cellophane P00 Regenerated cellulose 58 PBS PBS film 42

[0216] The different coffee pods were extracted with 110 ml of hot water at 78°C and supplied at a pressure between 10 and 12 bar.

[0217] For each type of capsule,

[0218] a first series of 10 coffee beverages are prepared with the downstream opening arrangement 12 dry and cold, as is the case when the extraction device has not been used for a certain period of time (the inner part of the extraction chamber is dried between each beverage preparation), and

[0219] A second series of 10 coffee beverages is made immediately after the first series and accordingly an extraction device is used with a downstream opening arrangement 12 which is still moistened by the previous coffee preparation.

[0220] For each type of pod, the quality of the two series of coffee beverages was analyzed and compared and the results are summarized in Table 2. The quality was objectively analyzed by measuring the following during each extraction:

[0221] - the pressure of the water measured inside the fluid system during the extraction process, and the maximum pressure is derived, and

[0222] - The time it takes for the coffee to flow from the extraction device.

[0223] The measurements of maximum pressure and flow time of the first series are compared with the measurements obtained during the second series by calculating ΔPmax and Δflow time.

[0224] A location in the fluid supply system downstream of the pump 72 and upstream of the liquid injector 25 (such as Figure 6 The pressure is measured at the illustrated point D). Figure 7 Illustrated is a pressure curve measured during coffee extraction and how the maximum pressure Pmax is identified in the curve.

[0225] The flow time is measured by detecting the first drops of coffee in the container located on the connected scale until 110 grams of coffee beverage have been measured.

[0226] These measurements are shown in Table 2 for each type of capsule.

[0227] Depending on the nature of the protective layer at the outer surface of the closure, significant differences in these measurements establish differences in the quality of the coffee beverage produced by the machine. Such inconsistencies are unacceptable for automatic beverage systems.

[0228] Table 2

[0229]

[0230] In particular, the pressure curves measured during the second series of coffee extractions show that, in the case of an outer protective layer on the capsule cover surface having a surface tension higher than 40 dynes / cm, an important peak in pressure P0 occurs at the beginning of the extraction. Figure 7 In B, the peak rises to 12 bar. This peak is due to the softness of the capsule surface after the extraction chamber has been closed and if this surface has come into contact with the wet piercing arrangement.

[0231] Besides the impact on the extraction differences between the first series of coffee beverages and the second series of coffee beverages, the presence of a pressure peak at the beginning of extraction increases the risk of extraction defects, such as blockage of the holes configured to discharge the coffee beverage and the beverage not flowing out properly.

[0232] These examples demonstrate that choosing a protective layer with an outer surface having a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm avoids inconsistent quality of coffee beverages, regardless of when these coffees are prepared, meaning independently of the fact that the coffee is the first or the next cup of coffee of the day.

[0233] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed is not in any way limited to these illustrated embodiments.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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".

[0236] List of references in the accompanying drawings :

[0237] Downstream encapsulation component 1

[0238] Bag holder 11

[0239] Downstream plate piercing arrangement 12

[0240] Nail 121

[0241] Surrounding area 13

[0242] Chassis 14

[0243] Upstream encapsulation component 2

[0244] Cage 21

[0245] Upstream piercing arrangement 22

[0246] Liquid injector 25

[0247] Bag 3

[0248] Main body 31, 31'

[0249] Side wall 311

[0250] Top 3111

[0251] Top opening 312

[0252] Bottom wall 313

[0253] Flanges 314, 314'

[0254] Top surface 3141

[0255] Bottom surface 3142

[0256] Cap 32

[0257] Ingredients 33

[0258] Insertion section 4

[0259] Extraction chamber 5

[0260] Side sheets 6a, 6b

[0261] Tank 71

[0262] Pump 72

[0263] Heater 73

[0264] Control unit 8

Claims

1. A system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing beverage ingredients, The capsule (3) comprises a first encapsulation wall (31) and a second encapsulation wall (31', 32), wherein the first encapsulation wall and the second encapsulation wall define a chamber for encapsulating the beverage ingredient (33), and wherein the first pod enclosure wall and the second pod enclosure wall of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material comprising a paper layer (A) and at least one plastic layer (B), preferably a compostable plastic layer, assembled together, and wherein the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pad, and wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises an extraction device, and the extraction device comprises: - an upstream capsule-closing member (2) and a downstream capsule-closing member (1) capable of relative translation along a longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the capsule (3) and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (5) enclosing the capsule during extraction, the upstream part (2) carries an upstream piercing arrangement (22) and a liquid injector (25) for opening the first enclosing wall (31) of the pad, - the downstream component (1) comprises a downstream piercing arrangement (12) for opening the second enclosing wall (32) of the pad, and wherein in at least the second bladder enclosure wall (32), the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer (C), and The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

2. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream planar piercing arrangement (12) for opening the second enclosing wall (32) of the pad comprises a rigid plate, and wherein: - the surface of the rigid plate turned towards the second wall of the pad comprises an opening element, - The rigid plate comprises perforations for draining the beverage dispensed from the opened second wall.

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic layer is selected from the list of: - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, - a polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, - a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, - a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, - a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, - A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above mentioned polymers.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-ply paper material comprises an additional layer selected from the list of: - a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH), in particular a layer of a butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), - a polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, -Metallic coating, -SiO x Base coating, -AlO x Base coating, -A combination of these.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the additional layer is a plastic polymer and the multilayer plastic layer comprises the additional layer positioned between two outer layers, the two outer layers being selected from any film of polylactic acid (PLA) film, polybutylene succinate (PBS) film, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film, starch film, or a polymer blend formed from any combination of the polymers.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose.

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage ingredient contained in the capsule body is roast and ground coffee.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - In the capsule: The first enclosing wall is a capsule body (31), the capsule body comprising a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange (314), the capsule body containing the beverage ingredients, and . the second containment wall is a top cover (32) attached to the circumferential flange, The top cover closes the top opening of the bag body. and - In the extraction device: the upstream component (2) defining a retaining frame (21) defining an upstream piercing arrangement (22) designed to enclose the capsule body (31) and to carry the bottom wall (313) for opening the capsule, The downstream part (1) defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate comprising a downstream piercing arrangement (12) for opening the cover (32) of the capsule.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - In the capsule: Each of the first encapsulating wall and the second encapsulating wall is a bag body (31), the bag body comprising a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining half of the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange (314), and . the circumferential annular body flanges of the bag body are attached together, and - in the extraction device, the upstream part (2) and the downstream part (1) define a holder (21) for enclosing the pad, and - wherein in each of said first and second pouch-enclosing parts, the outer surface of said multi-layer paper material of said parts is covered by a protective layer having a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

10. A capsule (3) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule (3) comprises a first capsule enclosure wall (31) and a second capsule enclosure wall (32), the capsule enclosure walls defining a chamber, the chamber containing a beverage ingredient (33), wherein the first pod enclosure wall and the second pod enclosure wall of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material comprising paper layers and at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer, assembled together, and wherein the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pad, and wherein in at least the second bladder enclosure wall, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer, and The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

11. The pad of claim 10, wherein the plastic layer is selected from the list of: - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, - a polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, - a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, - a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, - a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, - A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above mentioned polymers.

12. The pouch according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the multi-layer paper material comprises an additional layer selected from the list of: - a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH), in particular a layer of a butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), - a polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, -Metallic coating, -SiO x Base coating, -AlO x Base coating, -A combination of these.

13. A pouch according to the preceding claim, wherein the additional layer is a plastic polymer and the multilayer plastic layer comprises the additional layer positioned between two outer layers, the two outer layers being selected from any film of polylactic acid (PLA) film, polybutylene succinate (PBS) film, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) film, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film, starch film or a polymer blend formed by any combination of the polymers.

14. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose.

15. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the beverage ingredient contained in the pad body is roast and ground coffee.

16. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein: - the first pad enclosing part is a pad body (31) comprising side walls (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange (314), the pad body containing the beverage ingredients, and - The second pad enclosure part is a top cover (32) attached to the peripheral flange, the top cover closing the top opening of the pad body.

17. The pad according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein: - each of the first and second capsule enclosing parts is a capsule body (31) comprising a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining half of the chamber and a circumferential annular body flange (314), and - the circumferential annular body flanges of the pad body are attached together, and - wherein in each of the first bag-enclosing part and the second bag-enclosing part, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the part is covered by a protective layer, and wherein the outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension lower than 40 dynes / cm, preferably lower than 38 dynes / cm, even more preferably lower than 36 dynes / cm.

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