Beverage capsule system

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extraction liquid into a capsule, said extraction device comprising:-upstream and downstream capsule enclosing parts (1, 2), wherein the upstream capsule enclosing part (1) is translatable 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 enclosing the capsule during extraction, the holder (21) comprises a side wall (211) translatable between the open position and the closed position and an end wall (22) movable inside the side wall (211), wherein the side wall (211) and the end wall (22) are actuated by a common motor (10) and a common actuator (8).

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 is 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. Typically, a first upstream part of the chamber includes piercing means configured to pierce the wall of the container and injection means configured to inject water through the pierced wall to prepare the beverage, and a second downstream part of the chamber includes opening means configured to open another wall of the container in order to dispense the prepared beverage.

[0003] In the case of the need to use more sustainable single-portion containers, it is now proposed to use containers made of compostable materials such as paper in such systems. For example, in WO 2020 / 114995 it is proposed to use containers made essentially of paper. In order to be able to form the cup-shaped body of these containers, the paper material used is quite thick, so that the side walls and the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body have the same high thickness. Due to this high thickness, piercing the bottom wall during beverage preparation requires a strong force provided by the piercing device of the chamber, which cannot be achieved by current systems.

[0004] In addition, it is also desirable to provide a system capable of receiving and extracting containers of different sizes (such as in WO 2020 / 089404). In such a machine, the two parts of the chamber can be moved close to each other by a motor to enclose the container. Regardless of the size of the container, the thick bottom wall of the container must be correctly pierced by the piercing device of the chamber.

[0005] WO 2017 / 137933 describes a system in which containers of different heights can be used in a chamber, since the piercing device of the upstream part of the chamber is mounted on a spring. With the help of this spring, the size of the chamber can be adapted to the height of the cup-shaped body of the container. However, in order to be able to pierce the bottom wall with such a spring-loaded piercing device, the bottom wall of the container must be thin enough to be torn. Therefore, it is impossible to extract a common container made of the same material as the side walls at the bottom wall: in this system, it is necessary to use a container whose bottom wall is thinner than the side walls. Such a solution cannot be used with containers made of thick paper material at the bottom wall.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least the above-mentioned existing problems.

[0007] These problems are solved by the objects according to claims 1 to 14 . Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an extraction device for extracting a beverage ingredient by supplying an extraction liquid into a pad, the extraction device comprising:

[0009] - an upstream capsule-closing member and a downstream capsule-closing member, wherein the upstream capsule-closing member is movable in 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,

[0010] an upstream part defining the holder and comprising a liquid outlet opening and a piercing element for piercing the bottom wall of the pad,

[0011] a downstream part comprising a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX′), said plate comprising a downstream piercing arrangement for opening the cover of the pad,

[0012] - a bag support, the bag support being configured to hold the bag between the upstream bag enclosing part and the downstream bag enclosing part when the upstream bag enclosing part and the downstream bag enclosing part are in the open position, the bag support being configured to hold the bag cover in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement, and wherein in the upstream bag enclosing part, the retainer comprises:

[0013] - a side wall extending along the longitudinal axis of the cage between an open front end and a rear end, said side wall being movable in translation between the open position and the closed position, and

[0014] an end wall, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holder, said end wall having a front face carrying a piercing element and a liquid outlet opening,

[0015] wherein the end wall is longitudinally movable inside the side wall of the holder of the upstream bladder enclosing part, wherein the side wall and the end wall are actuated by a common motor and a common actuator, the common actuator being connected to the side wall and the end wall, such that when the upstream bladder enclosing part is translated from an open position to a closed position:

[0016] - firstly, the side wall is translated from an open position to a closed position so as to form a completely closed extraction chamber around the pad, and

[0017] - The end wall is then moved inside the side wall from a rearward position to a forward position in order to pierce the bottom wall of the capsule.

[0018] The extraction device is suitable for extracting a capsule, and generally comprises:

[0019] - a pad body comprising side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top opening, and

[0020] - A top cover closing the top opening of the pad body.

[0021] The extraction device of the system is typically included in a beverage preparation machine configured to receive a capsule. Preferably, the beverage preparation machine is a coffee machine, although the machine can be designed to prepare, for example, tea, chocolate or soup, depending on the ingredient enclosed in the capsule. In particular, the machine is arranged for preparing a beverage in an extraction chamber by passing water or other liquid through a capsule containing the ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, preferably roasted and ground coffee, or eventually 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Typically, the capsule can be inserted into the extraction 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.

[0024] The extraction device comprises an upstream capsule enclosing part and a downstream capsule enclosing part, wherein at least the upstream enclosing part is movable, preferably translationally, 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.

[0025] The downstream part or dispensing part defines a downstream piercing arrangement for opening the cover wall of the capsule when extraction liquid is introduced into the interior of the capsule. Typically, the downstream planar piercing arrangement is designed to open the cover by relative engagement with the cover and expansion of the cover against the piercing arrangement under the effect of the increased pressure of the injection liquid in the chamber of the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, the downstream planar piercing arrangement comprises a plate, which is preferably rigid and comprises opening elements (like a plurality of protrusions) and recessed elements (such as spikes), which opening elements may present a cone or pyramid shape on its surface turned toward the second wall.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The upstream part or injection part comprises an upstream piercing arrangement in the form of one or more piercers for piercing the bottom wall of the pad body of an inserted pad and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the pierced first wall of the pad.

[0028] The upstream piercing arrangement may include piercers in the form of blades. These blades may be designed and positioned to pierce the bottom 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The extraction device comprises a capsule support configured to hold the capsule between the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part when the upstream capsule enclosing part and the downstream capsule enclosing part are in the open position. The support is configured to hold the capsule cover in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement.

[0033] Such a capsule holder can be retracted and can free the capsule to be enclosed by the two enclosing parts when the two enclosing parts are in the closed position. For example, WO 2005 / 004683 or WO 2007 / 134960 show capsule holders of this type.

[0034] In the upstream capsule enclosing part, the holder comprises a side wall extending along the holder longitudinal axis between an open front end and a rear end, the side wall being movable between an open position and a closed position. Typically, the length of the side wall is greater than the maximum height of all the different capsules that can be used in the extraction device.

[0035] The holder comprises an end wall transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holder. The end wall has a front face and the front face carries the piercing element and the liquid outlet opening. The end wall can move inside the side wall. Therefore, the end wall can adjust the internal volume of the holder with different bag sizes.

[0036] Preferably, the end wall is not attached to other elements of the extraction device and is free to move inside the side wall under the action of forces of other elements of the nut device, such as the pad or nut device described below.

[0037] The piercing element of the upstream pad covering member is raised by a piercing height from the surface of the front face.

[0038] The side walls and the end walls are actuated by a common actuator connected to the side walls and the end walls. The connection may be direct or indirect, for example the actuator may be connected to a carrier of the side walls to which the side walls are fixedly attached.

[0039] A common actuator is connected to the side wall and the end wall such that when the upstream bladder-enclosing member translates from the open position to the closed position:

[0040] - firstly, the side wall is translated by an actuator from an open position to a closed position so as to form an extraction chamber around the pad, and

[0041] - Once the extraction chamber is formed around the pad, only the end wall is moved by the actuator inside the side wall from a rearward position to a forward position in order to pierce the bottom wall of the pad.

[0042] Therefore, the same actuator can realize two different operations:

[0043] - the actuator enables tight closure of the extraction chamber by displacing the side wall of the cage and bringing it into abutment on the downstream component, and

[0044] - The actuator is able to pierce the bottom wall of the pad in a second step by displacing the end wall of the holder. This second operation ensures effective piercing of the bottom wall, thus allowing a good distribution of the liquid inside the pad. This operation avoids the presence of a headspace in the chamber holding the pad, thus ensuring a better extraction.

[0045] For both walls, the actuators can be moved by the same motor, thereby reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of the extraction device.

[0046] A motor is used to achieve the movement of the actuator. It is preferably an electric motor. The motor is usually connected to the actuator via a gear mechanism with a shaft of the motor.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the upstream pad-enclosing part is held by two lateral sheets, and the side walls are able to slide between these sheets, and each of said lateral sheets is attached to a first fixed transverse terminal axis and a second fixed transverse front axis.

[0048] These sheets and these shafts define a frame supporting the pad-enclosing parts and the actuator.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the shared brake comprises:

[0050] - an elbow joint mechanism comprising two symmetrical assemblies of push rods and cranks, each crank being attached to a transverse terminal shaft and each rod being attached directly or indirectly to a sliding side wall of the upstream capsule enclosing member, and

[0051] - a nut device configured to be displaced by the spindle, and

[0052] The lateral part of the nut device is designed to engage and slide in a guide curve designed in the crank of the elbow joint mechanism.

[0053] Thus, movement of the nut device enables movement of the elbow engagement mechanism controlling the movement of the side wall of the upstream pad enclosing part.

[0054] The spindle can be rotated by a gear mechanism connected to the shaft of the motor. The spindle, the nut device and the elbow joint mechanism are then actuated using the same motor.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide curve portion of each crank of the elbow joint mechanism comprises:

[0056] - a first guide portion enabling the elbow joint to move between a bent configuration and an extended configuration, and

[0057] - A second guide portion oriented along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') when the elbow joint is in the extended configuration.

[0058] The first guide portion of the curve is designed to enable the upstream capsule enclosing part to move between an open configuration, in which the elbow joint is bent, and a closed configuration, in which the elbow joint is extended. In this extended configuration, the extraction chamber is firmly closed due to the force of the extended elbow joint. During the extraction of the beverage, the chamber can resist the increase of the pressure inside the chamber without any risk of leakage. This strong sealing is even more interesting in the case of extraction devices in which the flange of the capsule is configured to be clamped between the edge of the open front end of the side wall and the downstream capsule enclosing part.

[0059] The curved second guide portion is continuous with and extends from the first portion.

[0060] Since it is oriented along a horizontal longitudinal axis, it enables the nut device to be moved in a downstream direction once the elbow joint is extended and the extraction chamber is closed. Thus, longitudinal movement, in particular of the end wall of the upstream capsule enclosing member, remains possible.

[0061] Preferably, the lateral part of the nut may comprise a wheel configured to roll in a guide curve of the crank.

[0062] Preferably, the rear face of the end wall of the upstream pad enclosing member is configured to be pushed by the front end of the nut device during movement of the nut device along the second portion of the guide curve.

[0063] The rear face of the end wall and the front face of the nut device are designed and positioned opposite each other to cooperate during movement of the nut device along the second portion of the guide curve.

[0064] Since the end wall is free to move, the force applied by the nut means on the end wall pushes the end wall in a downstream direction inside the chamber.Since the chamber contains the capsule, the front side of the end wall abuts against the bottom wall of the capsule, and the piercing element can contact the bottom wall of the capsule and pierce it.

[0065] Whatever the height of the capsule, the nut means are able to move the end wall until it is blocked by the pierced capsule.

[0066] Preferably, the front face of the end wall carries a capsule ejector comprising a rear rod extending through the end wall, and

[0067] - the rod of the capsule ejector can move freely through the end wall, and

[0068] The rod of the capsule ejector is configured to interact with the downstream end of the spindle of the nut device.

[0069] Preferably, the rod of the ejector is configured to be pushed by the front end of the spindle when the upstream pad-closing part is moved to the open position.

[0070] The rod of the capsule ejector is dimensioned and positioned relative to the spindle of the nut device so that during the capsule ejection operation, i.e. when the upstream capsule enclosing part moves from the closed position to the open position and the elbow joint bends, the end of the rod interacts with the end of the spindle. Such interaction enables the ejector, which is able to move freely, to move relative to the chamber, thereby facilitating the separation of the capsule from the piercing element of the end wall.

[0071] Typically, the extraction device includes a control system configured to control actuation of the motor.

[0072] Preferably, the control system is configured to measure the current of the motor and detect the piercing of the capsule based on an increase in the measured current.Based on this measurement, the control system can be configured to stop the motor of the actuator and start beverage extraction by actuating the liquid pump.

[0073] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device such as described above.

[0074] Generally speaking, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream capsule enclosure. The liquid supply system may include:

[0075] - a liquid supply source, such as a liquid tank,

[0076] - a pumping member for driving liquid from the liquid supply to the extraction device,

[0077] - Heating and / or cooling means which adapt the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pad.

[0078] The liquid is typically water.

[0079] Typically, the beverage machine comprises a control system configured to control the extraction device and to supply liquid to the extraction device and to a motor of the actuator.

[0080] In a third aspect of the invention, a system is provided, the system comprising an extraction device such as described above and capsules having different sizes, or a beverage preparation machine such as described above and capsules having different sizes,

[0081] Each of the capsules comprises:

[0082] - a capsule body comprising side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber, and

[0083] - A top cover closing the top opening of the pad body and wherein the pad differs in the depth of the side wall.

[0084] Regardless of the depth of the pad, the body and cover of the pad may be made of paper material.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the paper material is a multi-layer paper material comprising a paper layer coated with at least a plastic film, preferably a compostable plastic film. The compostable plastic film may be a multi-layer plastic film. The film may provide additional properties, such as an air barrier and a sealant for avoiding delamination.

[0086] Preferably, the body is made of a paper material having a thickness of at least 100 μm, preferably at least 120 μm.

[0087] Regardless of the depth of the body, the extraction device of the system facilitates piercing such capsules made of thick materials.

[0088] Typically, the thickness of the material of the side wall and the bottom wall of the capsule body is the same. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a complex capsule to pierce the bottom wall of the capsule in the extraction device.

[0089] Preferably, the pad comprises roasted and ground coffee and the coffee is compacted inside the pad.The compacted coffee facilitates the piercing of the pad bottom wall by providing a bearing surface for the opening means of the upstream pad-closing member.

[0090] In a fourth aspect, there is provided the use of a set of different pads in an extraction device such as described above or in a beverage machine such as described above or in a system such as described above, said pads differing in the depth of the side wall.

[0091] In this application:

[0092] - 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 limitation to the shape of the container, the material from which it is made, or the type of piercing device required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0093] - The term "longitudinally" refers to the orientation of the two enveloping parts relative to each other and their movement along the longitudinal axis XX'. Thus, the term "transversely" refers to an orientation transverse to or perpendicular to this longitudinal orientation. Typically, the longitudinal orientation and the transverse orientation extend in a horizontal plane.

[0094] The term "lateral" is defined with reference to a vertical axis comprising the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0095] 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.

[0096] "Upper" and "lower" also refer to this vertical axis.

[0097] - The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of the liquid from the upstream capsule enclosing part through the extraction device to the downstream enclosing part.

[0098] 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 2B shown.

[0099] 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

[0100] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0101] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0102] - Figures 1A to 1C are different perspective views of a capsule used in the extraction device of the present invention,

[0103] - Figure 2A and 2B are side views of an extraction device according to the invention in an open position and in a closed position, respectively,

[0104] - Figure 3 is with Figure 2A A perspective view of the downstream enclosure components of the extraction device isolation,

[0105] - Figure 4 is Figure 2B A perspective view of the upstream capsule encapsulation component of the extraction device isolated,

[0106] - Figure 5 yes Figure 2B A vertical cross-sectional view of the upstream bladder encapsulation component,

[0107] - Fig. 6A is an isolated perspective view of a common actuator of the side wall and the end wall of the upstream bladder enclosing part in an open position,

[0108] - Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Top view of

[0109] - Figure 6C yes Fig. 6A A vertical cross-section of

[0110] - Fig.6D is an isolated perspective view of the common actuator and the upstream bladder enclosure component in an open position,

[0111] - Fig. 7A is an isolated perspective view of a common actuator of the side wall and the end wall of the upstream bladder enclosure member in a closed position,

[0112] - Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Top view of

[0113] - Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A A vertical cross-section of

[0114] - Fig. 8A is an isolated perspective view of a common actuator of the side wall and the end wall of the upstream capsule enclosure member in a piercing position,

[0115] - Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A Top view of

[0116] - Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A A vertical cross-section of

[0117] - Fig.9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C Horizontal cross-sectional views of a common actuator and side and end walls of an upstream pad covering member in an open position, a closed position and a piercing position, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Figure 1A (Perspective) and Figure 1B (Exploded view) shows a capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The flange includes an upper surface 3142 facing the top, and a lower surface 3141.

[0121] Generally speaking, any transverse cross-section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0122] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0123] The beverage ingredient is preferably an ingredient that can be extracted like roast and ground coffee.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The capsule includes a cover 32 that 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 .

[0126] A machine readable code 34 may be arranged on the cover. The code may provide different types of information, such as:

[0127] - the nature of the beverage ingredients,

[0128] - The size of the capsule,

[0129] - Authorized capsules,

[0130] - Extraction formula applied to the capsule: temperature of the fluid, volume of the fluid, flow rate of the fluid...

[0131] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be pierced so that liquid can be injected into the pad through the pierced opening.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The shape of the pad is symmetrical relative to a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the cover, and the shape of the pad is asymmetrical relative to the planes of the cover and the flange.

[0134] Figure 1C It is shown that the extraction device of the present invention can be used and 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.

[0135] This difference in size enables the preparation of different beverages, preferably different coffee beverages, like espresso, espresso, long-brew coffee (long cup), Americano, ... . . .

[0136] Other sizes than those illustrated may be provided, such as intermediate sizes.

[0137] The machine readable code 34 may store information regarding the size of the capsule.

[0138] Preferably, the capsule comprises roast and ground coffee, as described in WO 2020 / 089403, and the roast and ground coffee is compacted inside the capsule itself.

[0139] 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.

[0140] Preferably, the material of the capsule comprises a paper layer. The paper layer is formable, i.e. the paper sheet can be given a three-dimensional shape, which is in the form of the body of the capsule as described above. In contrast to ordinary capsules made of filter paper, the paper is thicker and retains the three-dimensional shape set during the forming step of manufacturing the capsule.

[0141] 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 main body of the paper may have a higher grammage than the cover paper; the grammage of the main body of the paper may be included in 80g / m 2 Up to 150g / m 2 between.

[0142] Both papers can have a density of about 100 g / m 2 Weight.

[0143] The material of the bag may include a paper layer and some other material for providing additional properties (such as air barrier, stretchable or deformable properties). These additional properties can be provided by at least one plastic layer, for example as described in WO 2020 / 114995. Some additional layers of the body and the cover may be different.

[0144] In fact, 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 thick enough. In addition, in order to form a barrier to oxygen, to which the atmosphere, in particular roasted and ground coffee, is particularly sensitive, the paper layer is preferably coated with a compostable plastic film. A sealant layer is usually required to attach the different layers and prevent delamination. For example, such a multi-layer paper material can be a material as described in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0145] With such bladder materials, the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the body may be about 200 μm and the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the lid may be about 140 μm, which means that the layer thickness of the flange is typically greater than 200 μm, even greater than 300 μm.

[0146] 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 closing the chamber.The two capsule enclosing parts only need to have an internal shape conforming to the container.

[0147] For example, the container may be a frustoconical capsule made of aluminium or plastic.

[0148] Figure 2A is a side view of an extraction device of a beverage preparation machine according to the invention. The extraction device comprises an upstream capsule enclosing member 2 and a downstream capsule enclosing member 1 that are relatively movable in translation along a longitudinal axis XX'. Preferably, the axis XX' is substantially horizontal. Figure 2A In the embodiment shown, the capsule enclosing members 1 , 2 are positioned in a fully open position of the extraction device, wherein the enclosing members are at a position farthest away from each other.

[0149] A capsule can be introduced through the insertion section arranged above the two encapsulating parts 1, 2, and the capsule can pass from the insertion section under the action of gravity into the capsule holder between the two encapsulating parts 1, 2, as shown by arrow F. After extraction, when the two encapsulating parts 1, 2 are separated from each other, the capsule can fall again under the two encapsulating parts under the action of gravity.

[0150] The two capsule encapsulation parts 1, 2 are held between the two lateral and longitudinal sheets 4 and between the two transverse axes 6a, 6b. The upstream capsule encapsulation part 2 can be moved in translation between the two sheets 4 and the two axes 6a, 6b in order to assess different relative and functional positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the side surfaces of the carrier 23 of the upstream capsule encapsulation part include sliding parts 231 designed to engage in the grooves 41 of the lateral sheets so as to form a slide together.

[0151] The downstream enclosing member 1 is fixed and only the upstream capsule enclosing member 2 can be moved along the longitudinal axis XX′. Figure 2A The fully open position of Figure 2B Moves back and forth between the closed positions shown. Figure 2B In the embodiment of the invention, the two parts are in a closed position and form an extraction chamber which is configured to enclose the capsule during extraction.

[0152] The upstream capsule enclosing member is moved by an actuator comprising an elbow engagement mechanism 81 cooperating at one end with the upstream capsule enclosing member 2 and at the other end with the transverse axis 6b. The elbow engagement mechanism is actuated by the motor 10 via a gear mechanism 102. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the elbow joint mechanism is curved, and in Figure 2B In the embodiment, the elbow joint mechanism is extended, which ensures a tight closure of the upstream and downstream enclosure components.

[0153] Preferably, the insertion section 4 may include identification means for identifying or marking the capsule introduced into the interior of the extraction device. The identification means may include:

[0154] - a temporary blocking member for blocking the pad in the identification position, and

[0155] - Recognition means, such as a camera, for recognizing the pad blocked in the temporary recognition position.

[0156] The control system may be configured such that the blocking member enables the pad to fall to the pad holder of the extraction device when the pad has been identified.

[0157] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B detached perspective view of the downstream bag encapsulation part 1 of the bag. The downstream part 1 defines a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. The plate includes a central downstream plane piercing arrangement 12, which is used to open the cover 32 of the bag when the extraction liquid is introduced into the interior of the bag and expands the cover. The opening occurs by the relative engagement of the nail-like member and the cover under the action of the increased pressure of the injected liquid in the main chamber of the bag. The downstream plane piercing arrangement may include a plate, which includes opening elements 121 such as nail-like members on its surface turned towards the cover, which opening elements may have the shape of a cone or pyramid optionally truncated at its ends. In addition, the plate includes perforations for discharging the beverage dispensed from the opened cover to a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0158] The downstream component 1 comprises a pad holder attached to the peripheral area. When attached, the pad holder can be moved between two positions. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the capsule holder is in a first position for receiving a capsule and holding the cover of the capsule in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement.

[0159] The bag support 11 includes a pair of arms 11a, 11b. Figure 3 During the shown first receiving position, this pair of arms keeps and positions the pad.In this position of the pad support, these arms vertically keep the pad, i.e. they stop the vertical fall of the pad that falls from the insertion position.

[0160] The pair of retaining elements 11a, lib may be moved from the receiving position to a second, retracted position at the side of the downstream planar piercing arrangement when the upstream pad covering member is longitudinally translated from the fully open position to the closed position.

[0161] Preferably, each of the arms 11 a , 11 b of the pad holder can be locked in a retracted position during extraction of the pad and during ejection of the pad, in order to prevent any malfunction during ejection.

[0162] Figure 4A , Figure 4B yes Figure 2B 2. An isolated view of the upstream capsule enclosing part 2 of the extraction device of FIG. The upstream part defines an empty holder or chamber 21 for enclosing the capsule body. The holder is defined by a side wall 11 extending along the longitudinal axis of the holder between an open front end 214 and a rear end 213. The side wall is configured as a side wall of the enclosing capsule and generally has a shape conformal to the side wall of the capsule body. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall has a circular cross-section.

[0163] The side walls are fixedly attached in an outer carrier or base structure 23. The carrier can be translated between an open position and a closed position by a sliding configuration between its lateral sliding parts 231, which have corresponding sheet grooves 41 as described above. The carrier 23 and the side walls can be moved by actuators as described below.

[0164] The cage 21 is also defined by its end walls 22 which are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cage. Figure 5 2 is an isolated view of the end wall 22. The end wall carries a piercing element 222 rising from its front face 22a, which is configured to open the bottom wall of the bag inserted into the holder. The piercing element rises a certain piercing height from the front face of the end wall. The upstream piercing arrangement may include a piercer in the form of a blade 222. These blades may be designed and positioned to pierce the wall of the bottom of the bag body when the upstream bag enclosing part and the downstream bag enclosing part are placed in the closed position and the movable end wall is pushed to the bottom wall of the bag, as described below.

[0165] The end wall 22 comprises at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid into the capsule through a hole opened in the bottom wall of the capsule. The liquid injector comprises a liquid inlet 226 located at the back side 22b of the end wall. The liquid inlet is connected to a liquid supply system of a beverage preparation machine. The liquid inlet is configured to supply liquid at the front side 22a of the end wall and to supply liquid to the holder. The liquid flows out at a plurality of liquid outlets 223 arranged at the front side 22a of the end wall. The seal 26 provides liquid tightness for the movable end wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid inlet 223 is arranged around the blade 222 so that liquid can be introduced into the perforations of the bottom wall of the capsule. Any other known device for introducing liquid into the holder, such as a shower, can also be provided.

[0166] This end wall 22 is not attached to the side wall 21 of the cage and is free to move longitudinally inside the side wall 211 of the cage under the action of the forces of the other components of the system. This end wall can move forwards and backwards according to the extraction steps:

[0167] - when the upstream pad enclosing member 2 is closed around the pad, the end wall can be pushed back by the bottom wall of the pad so that the volume of the holder is adapted to the volume of the pad, and

[0168] - When the chamber is closed, the end wall can be pushed forward by an actuator to enable the blade 222 to pierce the bottom wall of the bag. The actuator is identical to the actuator of the side wall as further described below. The force of the actuator is applied directly to the end wall; there is no intermediate elastic means such as a spring. Therefore, the force of the actuator is completely transmitted to the piercer, which enables effective piercing of the bottom wall regardless of the thickness of the material.

[0169] When the chamber is opened, this end wall can be pulled towards the front by the extracted capsule, due to the friction between the bottom wall of the capsule and the blade 222 introduced into said bottom.

[0170] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The common actuator 8 of the side wall and the end wall is shown when the upstream pad-enclosing part is in the open position.

[0171] The actuator comprises an elbow joint mechanism 81 comprising two components of a push rod 811 connected to a crank 812. Each component is positioned on one lateral side of the upstream capsule enclosing part. Each crank 812 is attached to a fixed lateral terminal shaft 6b. The free end 8111 of each rod 811 is directly or indirectly attached to the side wall 211 of the upstream capsule enclosing part: in the illustrated embodiment and as shown Fig.6D As shown, the end 8111 of the push rod is attached to the connection piece 232 of the carrier of the upstream capsule enclosure member.

[0172] The actuator comprises a nut device 82 configured to be displaced by a spindle 823. The spindle is rotated by a gear mechanism 102 connected to the shaft of the motor. The nut comprises two wheels 822, and each of these wheels engages and slides in a corresponding guide curve 813 designed in the crank 812 of the elbow joint mechanism. Thus, the movement of the nut actuates the movement of the elbow joint and thus the movement of the side walls of the carrier and the holder.

[0173] In particular, the guide curve portion 813 of each crank of the elbow joint mechanism includes a first guide curve portion 813a so that the elbow joint can be in its open position corresponding to the extraction device ( Figure 2A ) and its corresponding closed position of the extraction device ( Figure 2B ). In this closed position, the alignment of the elbow engagement mechanism ensures a good closure of the chamber and prevents the chamber from opening in the event of increased pressure inside the chamber during beverage extraction. The front seal 24 of the upstream capsule enclosing part abuts against the peripheral area 13 of the downstream enclosing part.

[0174] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C The common actuator 8 is shown when the upstream bag enveloping part is in this closed position. Each lateral part of the nut is positioned at one end of the first guide curve 813a. In this position, each lateral part of the nut is positioned at one end of the second guide curve 813b extending from the first guide curve 813a. The second guide curve 813b is designed so that when the elbow joint is in an extended configuration, the second guide curve is oriented along the horizontal longitudinal axis (XX'). Therefore, the second guide curve enables the nut to move according to the longitudinal direction while the side wall 211 of the retaining frame is firmly closed. In particular, this movement of the nut guided by the second guide curve enables the end wall 22 of the retaining frame to move while the side wall 211 remains stationary.

[0175] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The common actuator 8 is shown, wherein the nut 82 is further moved by the spindle 823 to the other end of the second guide curve portion 813b by the action of the gear mechanism 102 on the spindle 823. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Move to the position shown FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C In the position shown, the front end 824 of the nut is able to engage and push against the back side 22b of the end wall of the chamber inside the chamber, as described below with respect to Fig. 9C described.

[0176] 9A to 9C The relative positions of the common actuator, the side wall 211 of the upstream pad-enclosing part and the end wall 22 of the upstream pad-enclosing part are shown in the open position, the closed position and the piercing position, respectively.

[0177] exist Fig.9A In the embodiment of the present invention, the upstream and downstream encapsulating parts are in an open position, in which the capsule can be introduced into the extraction device. The elbow joint mechanism 81 is bent. The nut device 82 is in the rearmost position on the spindle 823.

[0178] from Fig.9A The steps shown to Fig. 9B In the steps shown, the motor is activated and the spindle 823 rotates so that the nut device 82 translates upward. Since the wheel 822 of the nut device engages in the first part of the guide curve of the crank, the elbow engagement mechanism moves to its extended position, which enables the side wall 211 to move upward and around the bag held in the bag support. During the relative movement of the side wall and the bag, the bottom wall of the bag contacts the front face 22a of the end wall, and the end wall 22 is further free to move to the contact position in the direction of the rear end of the side wall. The bag is enclosed, but the bottom wall of the bag is not pierced. In particular, for bags with a depth less than the size of the chamber, the end wall 22 is still able to move freely in the direction of the rear end of the side wall, and the blade 222 cannot exert a piercing force on their bottom wall. Even, for the largest bags, usually, piercing may not occur, especially due to the thickness of the material.

[0179] from Fig. 9B The steps shown to Fig. 9C In the steps shown, the motor is still actuated and the spindle 823 rotates. Since the wheel 822 of the nut device is engaged in the second part 813b of the guide curve of the crank, the elbow engagement mechanism is still in the extended position and the nut continues to translate. During this translation, the front end 824 of the nut engages with the back side 22b of the end wall, which is then pushed into the interior of the holder. The nut and the end wall continue to move until the end wall 22 is tightly engaged with the bottom wall of the bag present in the holder and the blade 222 pierces the bottom wall. The force applied by the motor through the spindle is sufficient to cause the blade to pierce the thicker bag material. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the system with a specific bag with a thinner bottom wall.

[0180] The process control system of the extraction device can be configured to measure the current supplied to the motor during the closing operation of the two capsule-enclosing parts. Such measurement makes it possible to detect:

[0181] - the end of the cage formation when the two enveloping parts form a sealed chamber and the elbow joint reaches its extended position (which corresponds to the first increase in current), and

[0182] - Piercing of the bottom wall of the capsule when the nut device pushes the end wall of the chamber, which corresponds to a second increase in the current. When this second increase is detected, the motor stops and extraction can start by introducing liquid through the water injector.

[0183] Once the extraction is complete, the motor is actuated in the other direction and the nut device 82 translates back along the second portion 813b of the guide curve, so that the end wall 22 can move freely in the chamber again. Since the blade 222 engages in the bottom wall of the capsule, the end wall 22 will generally remain attached to the bottom wall. In fact, due to the friction between the blade 222 and the bottom wall and during the ejection of the capsule, the capsule can drive the freely movable end wall 22 to the front end of the chamber.

[0184] When the nut device 82 translates back along the first portion 813a of the guide curve, the upstream capsule enclosing member moves away from the downstream enclosing member.

[0185] In order to facilitate ejection of the capsule from the opened upstream capsule enclosing component, the component includes Figure 5 The ejector 25 shown. The ejector comprises a front face in contact with the bottom wall of the bag when it is enclosed in the chamber and a rod 251 extending from behind it through the end wall and in the direction of the end 823 of the mandrel. The rod can move freely through the end wall. The rod 251 is aligned with the mandrel so that when the elbow joint is bent and the upstream bag enclosing part is moved back to the open position, the upper end of the rod abuts against the end 823 of the mandrel, so that the ejector 25 is pushed upstream and pushes the bottom wall of the bag. In particular, the ejector facilitates the separation of the bottom wall from the blade 222; since the material of the bag can be thick and even thicker after wetting, it is not always sufficient to separate the bag from the blade by separating the upstream enclosing part and the downstream enclosing part.

[0186] Preferably, the ejector 25 is designed to prevent smaller packets from becoming laterally blocked between the upstream and downstream encapsulation parts after separation from the blade: in particular, the front end of the ejector comprises a downward lateral extension 251 extending from the rod in the direction of the edge of the end wall and defining a downwardly directed sliding surface or guide groove for the bottom wall of the ejected packet.

[0187] Preferably, the ejector 25 provides the effect of improving the closure of the upstream and downstream encapsulation parts when larger capsules are loaded into the extraction device. In fact, due to the asymmetric shape of the capsules, when larger capsules are introduced into the capsule holder of the extraction device, the bottom wall of such capsules can be tilted / positioned in a holding position so that when the upstream capsule encapsulation part moves to the downstream capsule encapsulation part, the capsule does not stand up and cannot be properly closed. Preferably, the ejector includes an upward lateral extension 253, which extends from the rod and is designed to straighten the bottom wall of the capsule upwards when the upstream capsule encapsulation part moves towards the capsule.

[0188] Regardless of the size of the capsule and the thickness of the bottom wall material of the capsule, the extraction device of the present invention can achieve:

[0189] - the upstream bladder enclosing part and the downstream bladder enclosing part are tightly closed by means of an elbow joint mechanism,

[0190] - Adapting the internal dimensions of the chamber to the capsule depth and correctly piercing any capsule by translation of the nut device.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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".

[0194] List of references in the accompanying drawings :

[0195] Beverage device 10

[0196] Downstream encapsulation component 1

[0197] Packet support arms 11a, 11b

[0198] Downstream plate piercing arrangement 12

[0199] Nail 121

[0200] Surrounding area 13

[0201] Upstream capsule encapsulation component 2

[0202] Cage 21

[0203] Side wall 211

[0204] Backend 213

[0205] Frontend 214

[0206] End wall 22

[0207] Front 22a

[0208] Back 22b

[0209] Piercing element 222

[0210] Liquid outlet 223

[0211] Liquid inlet 226

[0212] Carrier 23

[0213] Sliding member 231

[0214] Elbow joint connector 232

[0215] Seals 24, 26

[0216] Bag ejector 25

[0217] Rear rod 251

[0218] Bag 3, 3'

[0219] Main body 31, 31'

[0220] Side walls 311, 311'

[0221] Top 3111

[0222] Top opening 312

[0223] Bottom wall 313

[0224] Annular flange 314

[0225] Top surface 3141

[0226] Bottom surface 3142 Cap 32 Machine readable code 34 Sheet 4

[0227] Sliding groove 41 Axles 6a, 6b Actuator 8

[0228] Elbow joint mechanism 81

[0229] Putter 811

[0230] Free end 8111

[0231] Crank 812

[0232] Guide curve portion 813

[0233] Part 1813a

[0234] Part II 813b

[0235] Nut device 82

[0236] Lateral member 821

[0237] Wheel 822

[0238] Spindle 823

[0239] Mandrel front end 8231

[0240] Nut device front end 824 Motor 10 Axis 101 Gear mechanism 102

Claims

1. An extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extraction liquid into a capsule, The extraction device comprises: - upstream and downstream capsule-closing members (1, 2), wherein the upstream capsule-closing member (2) is movable 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 enclosing the capsule during extraction, - the upstream part (2) defines a holder (21) and comprises a liquid outlet opening (223) and a piercing element (222) for piercing the bottom wall (313) of the pad, - the downstream part (1) comprises 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, - a bag support, the bag support being configured to hold the bag between the upstream bag sealing part and the downstream bag sealing part when the upstream bag sealing part and the downstream bag sealing part are in the open position, the bag support being configured to hold the cover (32) of the bag in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement (12), and Wherein, in the upstream bag encapsulation component (1), the retaining frame (21) comprises: - a side wall (211) extending along the longitudinal axis of the cage between an open front end (214) and a rear end (213), said side wall being able to translate between said open position and said closed position, and - an end wall (22) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holder, the end wall having a front face (22a) carrying the piercing element (222) and the liquid outlet opening (223), wherein the end wall (22) is longitudinally movable inside the side wall (211) of the holder of the upstream capsule enclosing part, and wherein the side wall (211) and the end wall (22) are actuated by a common motor (10) and a common actuator (8) connected to the side wall (211) and the end wall (22), so that when the upstream capsule enclosing part (2) is translated from the open position to the closed position: - first, the side wall (211) is translated from the open position to the closed position, to form the extraction chamber surrounding the capsule, and - The end wall (22) is then moved inside the side wall (211) from a rearward position to a forward position in order to pierce the bottom wall of the pad.

2. Extraction device according to the preceding claim, wherein the side wall (211) of the upstream capsule enclosing part is held by and can slide between two lateral sheets (4), each of which is attached to a first fixed transverse end axis (6b) and a second fixed transverse front axis (6a), and Wherein the common actuator comprises: - an elbow joint mechanism (81) comprising two symmetrical assemblies of push rods (811) and cranks (812), each crank being attached to the transverse terminal shaft (6b) and each rod being attached to the sliding side wall (211) of the upstream capsule enclosing member, and - a nut device (82) configured to be displaced by a spindle (823), and The lateral part (821) of the nut device is designed to engage and slide in a guide curve portion (813), and the guide curve portion (813) is designed in the crank (812) of the elbow joint mechanism.

3. Extraction device according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide curve (813) of each crank of the elbow joint mechanism comprises: - a first guide portion (813a) enabling the elbow joint to move between a bent configuration and an extended configuration, and - a second guide portion (813b) oriented along said horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') when said elbow joint is in said extended configuration.

4. According to the extraction device described in the previous claim, the back side (22b) of the end wall of the upstream bag encapsulation part is constructed to be pushed by the front end (824) of the nut device (82) during the movement of the second part (813b) of the nut device (82) along the guide curve portion.

5. Extraction device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the front face (22a) of the end wall carries a capsule ejector (25), the capsule ejector comprising a rear rod (251) extending through the end wall (22), and wherein the rod of the capsule ejector is able to move freely through the end wall (22), and The rod of the bag ejector is constructed to be able to interact with the downstream end (8231) of the spindle of the nut device.

6. An extraction device according to the preceding claim, wherein the rod (251) of the ejector is constructed to be pushed by the front end (8231) of the spindle when the upstream bag-closing part (2) is in the open position.

7. An extraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a control system configured to control actuation of the motor, and wherein the control system is configured to measure the current of the motor and to detect puncture of the capsule based on an increase in the measured current.

8. A beverage preparation machine, comprising: An extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A system, comprising: An extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and capsules having different sizes, or a beverage preparation machine according to claim 8 and capsules having different sizes, Each of the capsules (3, 3') comprises: - a capsule body (31) comprising side walls (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber, and - a top cover (32) which closes the top opening of the pad body, and The capsules differ in that the depth of the side walls (311) is.

10. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the body of the pad is made of a paper material having a thickness of at least 100 μm, preferably at least 120 μm.

11. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the paper material is a multi-layer paper material comprising a paper layer coated with at least a plastic film.

12. A system according to , wherein the capsule comprises compacted roast and ground coffee.

13. The system of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the thickness of the material of the side walls and the bottom wall of the pad body is the same.

14. Use of a set of different capsules (3, 3') differing in the depth of the side wall (311) in a device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or in a beverage machine according to claim 8 or in a system according to claims 9 to 13.

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