Beverage preparation system

Abstract

A beverage preparation system comprises at least one capsule (1) consisting of a biodegradable material and a beverage preparation machine. The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine for brewing a beverage from a beverage preparation substance by injecting a liquid into a capsule and allowing the beverage thus prepared to flow out of the capsule. To this end, the beverage preparation machine comprises a brewing chamber for accommodating a capsule for performing a brewing process. The system also has a disruption structure (121) for disrupting the capsule for the brewing process at a location different from the injection and outflow of the liquid. The system also has a disruption structure (121) for disrupting the capsule in a position different from the liquid injection and allowing the liquid to flow out in order to perform the brewing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of systems for preparing beverages using capsules, where the capsules contain components, in particular extraction materials such as ground coffee or crushed tea leaves. Background Art

[0002] For sustainability considerations, systems with biodegradable material capsules are of particular interest. However, providing biodegradable materials with the required properties is a challenge. The required properties include: sufficient mechanical stability at both room temperature and the temperature of the injected liquid; being able to be pierced to inject liquid into the capsule and remove liquid from the capsule; and being able to provide liquid barrier and oxygen barrier properties. Since biodegradable materials with all these properties are not easily available, it has been proposed to manufacture capsules using polymer multilayer films, which are composed of multiple layers of different compositions. For example, one layer can act as an effective waterproof layer, while another layer can act as an oxygen barrier layer; and / or at least one layer ensures sufficient mechanical stability, while at least another layer has barrier properties, and so on.

[0003] However, such a layered structure may cause a delay in the biodegradation process because in the complex biodegradation process, the outer layer can only enter from the outside, and the biodegradation of the inner layer first requires the disintegration of the outer layer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule-based beverage preparation system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and achieves improved biodegradability without compromising the barrier and mechanical properties of the capsule material.

[0005] This object is achieved by the invention as defined in the claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation system that includes at least one capsule, which includes a biodegradable material (e.g., made of a biodegradable material), and a beverage preparation machine. The capsule encapsulates beverage preparation substances, especially extraction substances such as ground coffee or crushed tea leaves. The beverage preparation machine is used to brew a beverage with the beverage preparation substances by injecting a liquid into the capsule and allowing the prepared beverage to flow out of the capsule. For this purpose, the beverage preparation machine includes a brewing chamber for accommodating the capsule for the brewing process. In many embodiments, the brewing chamber is formed by a brewing module having relatively movable parts such that it can be moved between a state where the brewing chamber is open for inserting the capsule and / or ejecting the capsule from the brewing chamber and a state where the brewing chamber is closed for the brewing process.

[0007] In order to inject liquid and / or allow the beverage to flow out of the capsule, the beverage preparation machine includes at least one piercing device. In many embodiments, the beverage preparation machine will include at least one injection-side piercing device for piercing the capsule on one side (e.g., the bottom side or the top side; the lid side if the capsule includes a base body and a lid attached to the base body to enclose the capsule); and at least one extraction-side piercing device for piercing the capsule on the other side, typically the opposite side (e.g., the top side or the bottom side respectively). If this is the case, as is known in the art, there are two possibilities: both sides of the capsule are pierced when the brewing chamber enters the closed state; or, the capsule is only pierced on the injection side during this movement, and the piercing of the extraction side only occurs when the liquid is injected into the capsule.

[0008] At least one position on the capsule for piercing the capsule to inject and / or allow the beverage to flow out is called a "piercing position". The system according to the invention is characterized in that it has a destruction structure for destroying the capsule at a position different from the piercing position. Specifically, the beverage preparation machine may include an injection-side piercing device for piercing the capsule at the injection-side piercing position, and an extraction-side piercing device for piercing the capsule at an extraction-side piercing position different from the injection-side piercing position. Therefore, the destruction structure will be configured to destroy the capsule at a position different from the injection-side piercing position and the extraction-side piercing position.

[0009] Here, "destroying" the capsule especially refers to an act different from simple deformation, that is, an act that damages the (physical) integrity of the capsule. In particular, the destruction structure may leave a dent on the capsule (possibly scratching the capsule / become a scratching structure) and / or cause a through-destruction.

[0010] By this simple measure, even if the capsule has not been mechanically pretreated (crushed) for, for example, an industrial composting process, the system can prepare the capsule for subsequent biodegradation. The reason for this is that it enhances the action of the liquid and microorganisms on the surface of the capsule material, especially providing a channel to contact the multi-layer inner layer. For example, if the capsule wall has a sandwich structure, where two outer layers are made of materials with a relatively slow biodegradation rate and the inner layer is made of another material, because there is no protection from the outer layer, the method according to the invention enables the inner layer to possibly disintegrate from the beginning of the biodegradation process due to the destruction of the outer layer. Therefore, the biodegradation of the outer layer, which may be more difficult to disintegrate, may also be more efficient and faster because these layers can come into contact with the liquid and microorganisms from both sides.

[0011] In particular, if the capsule has a bottom, a lid, and a circumferential side wall, the destruction structure may be configured to destroy the circumferential side wall.

[0012] The destruction caused may be, for example, a dent and / or a through-destruction, such as a cut and / or a perforation. The destruction structure may include a blade and / or a tip.

[0013] The destruction structure can be part of a beverage preparation machine. Specifically, it can be placed in the brewing chamber and / or along the path from the brewing chamber to the used capsule container into which the capsules enter after the brewing process. If the destruction caused is a dent rather than a through-cut / perforation, the destruction structure can also be placed along the path leading into the brewing chamber.

[0014] The destruction structure in the brewing chamber can be arranged such that the capsule is not damaged when inserted into the brewing chamber. The destruction can be caused by the reaction of the capsule expanding slightly when liquid is injected. Additionally or alternatively, an ejection mechanism that impacts the capsule only when the brewing chamber is open (but not when the brewing chamber is closed around the capsule) can incorporate at least a part of the destruction structure so that the destruction is achieved by the opening movement.

[0015] The capsule can in particular comprise a multi-layer structure. At least one layer, and in particular all layers, can be biodegradable. In some embodiments, the capsule wall can comprise a sandwich structure having two outer layers and at least one inner layer located between the two outer layers.

[0016] In the present context, when referring to the layered structure of a multi-layer structure, the term "outer layer" refers to the construction of the multi-layer structure itself. In the capsule, one of the outer layers faces the inside of the capsule, while the other outer layer forms the outer layer relative to the capsule and constitutes the capsule surface.

[0017] If the capsule has a multi-layer construction, the destruction structure may be such that at least the outer layer of the capsule is destroyed over its entire depth, i.e., the destruction structure causes the layer below the outer layer to be exposed.

[0018] In the present context, "biodegradable" can refer to biologically degradable according to European Standard EN 13432 (as of the end of 2021). Additionally or as an alternative, it can also refer to biologically degradable according to European Standard EN 14995 (as of the end of 2021). Thus, "biodegradable" in particular refers to biologically degradable according to EN 13432 and / or EN 14995. Description of the Drawings

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements. The drawings show:

[0020] Figure 1 : An example of a capsule;

[0021] Figure 2 : Figure 1 An example of a brewing chamber of a capsule;

[0022] Figure 3 : The multi-layer structure of a capsule;

[0023] Figure 4: Damaged multi-layer structure;

[0024] Figure 5 : Coffee machine;

[0025] Figure 6 : Slide groove with a damaged structure;

[0026] Figure 7 : Brewing chamber with a damaged structure; and,

[0027] Figure 8 : Alternative brewing module with an alternative cup-shaped capsule. Detailed Description

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a portioned capsule is shown. According to Figure 1 , the capsule 1 is generally cube-shaped with chamfered edges and slightly enlarged towards the top side.

[0029] The capsule includes a base body 2 and a lid member 3 fastened to the base body 2 along a circumferential flange 4. The base body forms a capsule bottom 5 and a circumferential side wall 6, and the circumferential side wall 6 is closed by the flange 4 at one end which is located outside relative to the axial direction (axis 10) and at the top in the figure. The lid member arches outwards, and the lid member surface 9 is generally parallel to the capsule bottom 5 and offset outwards relative to the circumferential flange 4.

[0030] The capsule is configured to be pierced during the brewing process so that a liquid (especially hot water or possibly cold water) can be injected into the capsule and the brewed beverage can be allowed to flow out of the capsule.

[0031] Figure 2 An example of a corresponding brewing module equipped in a beverage preparation machine (such as a coffee machine) is shown. The brewing module includes a brewing module housing 20, a discharge device 30 as a first brewing module component supported and guided by the housing, and an injector 50 as a second brewing module component. By an operating lever 60, the injector 50 can be moved between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing and the first brewing module component. In the open position, the brewing chamber is open and the operating lever is at the top, and in the closed position, the brewing chamber is closed and the operating lever is folded downwards. Figure 2 Shows the brewing module with the brewing chamber open and the capsule 1. The capsule has been inserted through the insertion opening 21, which also defines the direction when the capsule is inserted.

[0032] During operation, the brewing chamber is closed by moving the injector 50 towards the discharge device 30, so that the capsule 1 is pierced by an injection-side piercing device 51 and an extraction-side piercing device 38. The brewing liquid flows into the capsule 1 through a pipe 52 and a perforated cut, and an extraction process takes place in the capsule 1. The brewed beverage thus flows out through the extraction-side perforation formed by the extraction-side piercing device 38 and the water outlet 39.

[0033] The described brewing module is a manually operated horizontal brewing module suitable for Figure 1 the capsule shape shown. Various variants of brewing modules are known in the art, including electric brewing modules, vertical brewing modules (where liquid is injected from the top of the capsule and exits from the bottom), brewing modules suitable for other capsule shapes, etc. The present invention does not depend on the type of brewing module used nor on the capsule shape. On the contrary, it can be adapted to various capsule shapes and various types of brewing modules.

[0034] Figure 3 The layered structure of the capsule wall is shown. The capsule wall with a layered structure can form the capsule body and / or the lid. The layered structure in the illustrated embodiment has two outer layers 61 and 62 made of a first biodegradable material and an inner layer 63 made of a second biodegradable material. The first biodegradable material can be used as a liquid barrier by its corresponding properties, while the second biodegradable material can be used as an oxygen barrier.

[0035] For biodegradation, e.g., in industrial or home composting processes, the barrier properties result in a relatively slow process. Figure 4 The concept of capsule damage is shown, especially after the brewing process, especially at multiple locations, resulting in the destruction of the outer layer. Figure 4 Two indentations 65 on the capsule wall and a cut 66 through the capsule wall are shown. In some embodiments, the damage caused by the destruction structure may be deep enough that at least the outer layer 61 is locally penetrated, although shallower depth damage may also accelerate the degradation process.

[0036] Figure 5 A beverage preparation machine 100, i.e., a coffee machine, is shown, which includes a brewing module of the type as Figure 2 shown. Below the brewing module, the coffee machine includes a container 105 for holding used capsules. The brewing module is used to allow the used capsule to fall into the container 105 when the brewing chamber is opened at the end of the brewing process.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the beverage preparation machine is used to break the capsule by the movement of the brewing module components and / or the downward movement of the capsule into the container 105 when the brewing chamber is opened. This is very schematically shown in Figure 6 and, for a capsule with a circular cross-section, see the following Figure 8 . Figure 6 A chute 110 below the brewing chamber is depicted, through which the capsule 1 falls into the container 105. The chute is equipped with small blades 111 that scratch the circumferential surface of the capsule 1 as it passes through the chute 110.

[0038] Figure 7Another possibility is again schematically shown. That is, the brewing module is equipped with a micro-perforator, namely a needle 121 (or a blade or other structure), which is arranged such that when the capsule is inserted into the brewing chamber and the brewing chamber is closed, there is no contact between the needle 121 and the capsule 1.

[0039] During the brewing process, when hot water is injected, the liquid flowing through the capsule 1 encounters some resistance both because of the extraction material in the capsule and because the extraction-side piercing device 38 itself will to some extent close the opening it pierces in the capsule. This resistance to the liquid flowing out of the capsule causes the capsule to expand, and due to the heat transferred by the liquid, the capsule material becomes softer, thus exacerbating the expansion. This expansion (as shown by the double arrows in Figure 7 ) may cause the capsule wall to be pressed against the needle 121, thereby scratching or piercing the capsule and thus damaging the circumferential wall of the capsule.

[0040] Figure 8 A brewing module for a cup-shaped capsule 1 is shown, which capsule has a circular cross-section and a corresponding annular circumferential capsule wall 6. Considerations including reference Figure 7 also apply to capsules having this or other shapes.

Claims

1. A beverage preparation system, which includes at least one capsule (1), the capsule containing biodegradable material and encapsulating beverage preparation substances; and a beverage preparation machine (100) for preparing a beverage from the beverage preparation substances and a liquid by injecting the liquid into the capsule (1), the beverage preparation machine (100) including a brewing chamber designed in shape to receive the capsule (1), the brewing chamber having an outflow channel for the beverage, the beverage preparation machine including at least one piercing device (51, 38) for piercing the capsule at a piercing position when the capsule is located in the brewing chamber to inject the liquid into the capsule and / or allow the beverage to flow out of the capsule, characterized in that, the system further includes a breaking structure (111, 121) for breaking the capsule (1) at a position on the surface of the capsule different from the piercing position.

2. The beverage preparation system according to claim 1, wherein, the breaking structure is for making a dent in the capsule.

3. The beverage preparation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the breaking structure includes at least one blade (111) and / or at least one needle.

4. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the capsule includes a top surface portion (9), a bottom surface portion (5) and a circumferential side wall (6) located between the bottom surface portion and the top surface portion, wherein at least one piercing device (38, 51) of the beverage preparation machine includes at least one piercing device arranged to pierce the top surface portion (9) and at least one piercing device arranged to pierce the bottom surface portion (5), and the breaking structure (111, 121) is arranged to break the circumferential side wall.

5. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the breaking structure (111, 121) is a structure of the beverage preparation machine (100).

6. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the breaking structure (121) is at least partially arranged to break the capsule (1) when the liquid in the brewing chamber causes the capsule (1) to expand.

7. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the breaking structure is at least partially arranged to break the capsule due to the opening of the brewing chamber.

8. The beverage preparation system according to claim 7, wherein, the beverage preparation machine includes a container (105) for placing the used capsule and is equipped with means for moving the capsule from the brewing chamber to the container when the brewing chamber is opened, wherein the breaking structure (111) is provided for breaking the capsule (1) on the way the capsule (1) moves from the brewing chamber to the container (105).

9. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule has a multi-layer structure.

10. The beverage preparation system according to claim 9, wherein the multi-layer structure is a sandwich structure having two outer layers (61, 62) and at least one additional layer (63) arranged between the outer layers (61, 62).

11. The beverage preparation system according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, the beverage preparation machine includes: an injection side piercing device for piercing the capsule at an injection side piercing position; and an extraction side piercing device for piercing the capsule at an extraction side piercing position different from the injection side piercing position, wherein a destruction structure is configured to destroy the capsule at a position different from the injection side piercing position and the extraction side piercing position, and wherein the destruction structure is configured to leave a dent and / or cause a through-destruction on the capsule.

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