Piercing arrangement and related beverage extraction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a piercing arrangement (12) for piercing a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, the piercing arrangement being an assembly of an upper sub-component plate (12a) and a lower sub-component plate (12b), the piercing arrangement comprising a plate (121) provided with opening elements (122) projecting from an upper surface (1211) and perforations (123), where each of the opening elements (122) has a tip (1221) and a surface, the perforations (123) being arranged in the upper sub-component plate (12a) and the upper sub-component plate (12b). The surface comprises a beverage outlet opening (1222) cooperating with the perforation (123), and wherein, for each of said opening elements (122), the beverage outlet opening (1222) is positioned above an intermediate position (h) between the upper surface (1211) of the plate and the tip (1221) of the opening element, and the beverage outlet opening (1222) is a slit extending along a plane, the upper sub-part plate (12a) and the lower sub-part plate (12b) have a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surface (1211) of the plate, and wherein the upper sub-part plate (12a) and the lower sub-part plate (12b) are designed such that, when assembled, a beverage outlet opening (1222) and / or an opening element (122) is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This 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 designed to contain and extract the container. Background Technology

[0002] Single-cup containers for automated beverage preparation encompass a wide range of container types, which can be relatively soft or flexible (such as sacs) and made from any material that is recyclable or non-recyclable, biodegradable or non-biodegradable, such as aluminum, plastic, or filter paper.

[0003] WO 2020 / 089404 describes a system for extracting a beverage from a soft or flexible capsule. These capsules include a capsule body and a cap with a flange attached to the capsule body; their shape is asymmetrical with respect to the plane comprising the flange of the capsule body. The extraction device is provided with an extraction chamber configured to adjust its size according to the shape and volume of the introduced capsule. The extraction chamber includes:

[0004] - An upstream component that defines a retainer and carries an upstream puncture arrangement for opening the bottom wall of the capsule and a liquid injector for supplying liquid through the opened bottom wall, and

[0005] - A downstream component defining a plate including a downstream planar piercing arrangement for opening the cap of the capsule. This plate, commonly referred to as a pyramid plate, includes protruding elements designed to pierce, open, or tear the inflated cap and orifices for discharging beverage from which the beverage flows out through the orifices formed in the cap by the protruding elements.

[0006] During the extraction process, water is supplied to the capsule through the open bottom wall, which increases the pressure inside the capsule. The downstream planar puncture arrangement is designed to open the cap by engaging with the cap against the puncture arrangement under the pressure increase of the injected liquid in the capsule's main chamber, and by the cap expanding against the puncture arrangement.

[0007] In order to respect the environment, it is now necessary to use bags made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, especially those made primarily of paper.

[0008] These new materials cause specific problems during beverage preparation and the handling of the capsules in the extraction device, particularly making it difficult to achieve optimal extraction of roasted and ground coffee.

[0009] In the case of materials made of paper, the material can have a high thickness to provide a certain rigidity to the capsule and maintain its shape. Furthermore, since paper cannot protect beverage ingredients from atmospheric effects, materials made of paper typically include a layer that forms a protective barrier against the atmospheric environment. This layer is typically made of a compostable polymer, and the paper material is a laminate of at least one layer of paper and one layer of the aforementioned compostable barrier polymer. For example, such a compostable polymer barrier layer is described in WO 2023 / 052144A1.

[0010] The use of this type of paper material affects the proper extraction of beverage ingredients (such as roasted and ground coffee) within the extraction chamber. Specifically, compostable barrier polymers can possess stretchable properties, making them difficult to puncture using current downstream planar puncture arrangements. In particular, the material is stretched by the protruding elements of the pyramidal plate, but due to its stretching properties, the material is not systematically punctured, opened, or torn at each of these protruding elements. Furthermore, even if the material is punctured, opened, or torn, due to its stretchable properties, the material tends to tightly surround the protruding elements, effectively covering and closing the orifices configured for beverage discharge.

[0011] These issues prevent optimal extraction: reduced coffee flow, increased flow time, and failure to achieve the desired flavor profile of the final coffee. Furthermore, the different extraction methods employed for each capsule, based on the number of openings formed and the number of holes kept clear to expel the beverage, result in inconsistencies in the quality of the extracted beverage between the machine's system and the capsules.

[0012] It has been observed that this high stretchability of the paper material is particularly pronounced when the bales are used and stored under humid conditions, such as tropical conditions. Under these tropical conditions, the stretchability of the paper material can increase by up to five times. Therefore, in tropical climates, this extraction quality issue is amplified.

[0013] In the prior art, different types of downstream planar piercing arrangements have been defined, which include protruding elements designed to pierce the inflatable wall and holes for discharging beverages, from which the beverages flow out. Specifically, the arrangement can be configured to position the discharge holes according to different embodiments.

[0014] In EP1247480 and EP81295554, the protruding element is a needle with a conical shape. Each of these needles includes an opening communicating with a beverage outlet conduit. This opening is a slit extending along the generatrix of the conical surface.

[0015] When using capsules made of stretchable paper material, this needle and opening cannot achieve reliable puncture and beverage expulsion.

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0017] In a first aspect of the invention, a piercing arrangement structure is provided for piercing a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee, the piercing arrangement structure comprising:

[0018] - A plate, wherein the upper surface of the plate includes an opening element protruding from the surface, and

[0019] -perforation,

[0020] And each of the opening elements has:

[0021] -tip, and

[0022] - A surface including a beverage outlet opening that mates with the perforation, wherein the piercing arrangement is an assembly of an upper sub-component plate and a lower sub-component plate.

[0023] And for each of the opening elements,

[0024] - The beverage outlet opening is positioned above the midpoint (h) between the upper surface of the plate and the tip of the opening element, and

[0025] - The beverage outlet opening is a slit extending along a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the plate, and

[0026] The upper sub-component plate and the lower sub-component plate are designed to form the beverage outlet opening and / or the opening element during assembly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the surface of the beverage outlet opening is sized to filter particles with a diameter of approximately 0.3 mm.

[0028] In one embodiment, the slit can have a length of about 0.5 mm and a height of about 0.15 mm.

[0029] In one implementation, for each of the opening elements:

[0030] - The upper component plate includes an upper component of the opening element protruding from the upper surface of the upper component plate and a corresponding receiving hole extending through the upper component plate, and

[0031] - The lower component plate includes a corresponding lower component of the opening element protruding from the upper surface of the lower component plate and a corresponding perforation extending through the lower component plate to discharge the beverage, and

[0032] The receiving hole in the upper plate is designed to receive the lower sub-component plate of the opening element of the lower plate when the sub-component plate is assembled, and

[0033] The upper and lower sub-components of the opening element are designed such that when the sub-component plates are assembled, the beverage outlet opening is formed between the assembled sub-components of the opening element.

[0034] Using a two-component plate assembly to form this piercing arrangement offers the following advantages: it defines a very small beverage outlet opening and achieves an opening size that would otherwise be impossible to obtain by manufacturing the device from a single piece of material. The device is typically made of plastic, and manufacturing via plastic injection molding cannot produce holes smaller than 0.4 mm, especially slits smaller than 0.5 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment, the opening element includes:

[0036] -The base, which has the shape of a truncated cone.

[0037] -The tip, the tip has a cone shape.

[0038] The cone and the truncated cone have the same axis, and

[0039] The angle (α2) between the generatrix of the cone at the base and the axis is smaller than the angle (α1) between the generatrix of the cone at the tip and the axis.

[0040] Therefore, intrusion of the numerous opening elements on the surface of the plate can be minimized while maintaining a sufficient height of the tip of the opening element above the upper surface of the plate. As described in more detail below, the paper wall of the pouch can be pierced by a sufficient number of opening elements, and the surface abutting the plate between the opening elements is flattened, wherein the paper is folded and the risk of it blocking the beverage outlet opening is minimal. The shape of the opening element is designed to provide sufficient distance between the numerous opening elements and limit this risk.

[0041] In one embodiment, in the upper sub-component plate, the upper sub-component of the opening element includes: - an end, the end being a tapered tip of the opening element, and

[0042] - Base, which corresponds to the longitudinal segment of the base of the opening element.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lower sub-component of the opening element protrudes from the upper surface of the lower sub-component plate:

[0044] -Having a base that is complementary to the base of the opening element of the upper sub-component, and

[0045] - Including a recess that, when assembled to the corresponding upper sub-component of the opening element, forms the beverage outlet opening and the beverage outlet conduit.

[0046] In a second aspect, a beverage extraction apparatus is provided for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee, the extraction apparatus comprising:

[0047] - An upstream capsule encapsulation component and a downstream capsule encapsulation component, which are movable relative to each other between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber encapsulating the capsule during extraction.

[0048] -This upstream component carries:

[0049] The upstream puncture arrangement structure used to open the first capsule seal of the capsule, and

[0050] Liquid injector,

[0051] - The downstream component includes a downstream puncture arrangement for opening the capsule wall during extraction operations, the downstream puncture arrangement being as described above.

[0052] The extraction device is typically included in a beverage preparation machine, which is configured to contain a capsule. Preferably, the beverage preparation machine is a coffee machine, although it may be designed to prepare, for example, tea, chocolate, or soup, depending on the ingredients encapsulated in the capsule. Specifically, the device is arranged to prepare the beverage in an extraction chamber by passing water, preferably hot water, or other liquid through a capsule containing the ingredients to be prepared (preferably roasted and ground coffee, or ultimately 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.

[0053] The device is configured to extract beverage ingredients contained in a capsule by supplying an extractable liquid, such as water, into the capsule. The device includes an upstream capsule sealing component and a downstream capsule sealing component, which are movable relative to each other between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting such a capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber encapsulating the capsule during beverage ingredient extraction.

[0054] In one embodiment, the upstream and downstream bag-sealing components are movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis (XX'). Typically, the bag is inserted into the device from above under gravity. The ejection or removal of the bag upon reopening of the sealing components can also be gravity-driven.

[0055] Generally speaking, during beverage preparation, the extraction device is configured as follows:

[0056] - In the first step, the capsule is encapsulated between the upstream capsule encapsulation component and the downstream capsule encapsulation component, and

[0057] Then, in the second step, liquid is introduced into the encapsulated capsule through the liquid injector.

[0058] The upstream component or injection component includes an upstream puncture arrangement in the form of one or more puncturants for puncturing the first wall of the inserted capsule and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the punctured first wall of the capsule.

[0059] The upstream puncture arrangement may include puncture devices in the form of blades. These blades may be designed and positioned to puncture the first wall of the capsule body when the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components are in the closed position. A liquid injector, such as a sprayer located at the upstream component of the holder, may introduce extractable liquid through the pre-punctured opening.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the upstream puncture arrangement may include at least one hollow needle configured to puncture the wall at the bottom of the capsule body, and the hollow needle may include an internal axial channel for guiding the extractable liquid within the chamber of the capsule.

[0061] The downstream component or dispensing component defines a downstream puncture arrangement for opening the second wall of the capsule when the extractable liquid is introduced into the capsule. Typically, this downstream planar puncture arrangement is designed to open the second wall by engaging with the second capsule's sealing wall under increased pressure from the liquid injected into the chamber of the capsule, and by the expansion of the second wall against the puncture arrangement. The downstream planar puncture arrangement includes a plate, preferably rigid, and includes an opening element.

[0062] In addition, the plate includes perforations for discharging beverages dispensed from the opened second wall into a tube or nozzle that collects the beverages and dispenses them into a drinking cup.

[0063] Generally, the opening element has a shape capable of opening, piercing, cutting, or tearing the second package seal. Typically, this shape results in a cross-section that decreases from the bottom to the end. These opening elements may have a pyramidal, stepped pyramidal, or preferably conical shape. The shape may be a combination of a cylindrical or parallelepiped base with a pyramidal or conical top end. Preferably, the opening element has a conical shape.

[0064] Regardless of its shape, the opening element has a pointed tip. This tip is sharp enough to pierce or cut the paper layer when the paper material is pressed against it, particularly when the upstream and downstream encapsulating components move from the open position to the closed position, thus forming the extraction chamber around the capsule. Preferably, the tip has a conical shape.

[0065] The tip extends a height H from the upper surface of the plate. Generally, this height (H) can be defined according to the properties of the material of the capsule designed for use in the extraction device. In particular, the height must be sufficient to form an opening in the paper material when the paper material is pressed against the tip during the pressure increase inside the capsule when water is injected, causing the cap to expand. Generally, the height (H) can be at least 1.5 mm.

[0066] Furthermore, the surface of the opening element includes a beverage outlet opening that mates with the perforations in the downstream piercing arrangement. Therefore, beverage produced within the capsule can flow through these outlet openings of the opening element and be dispensed from the extraction chamber.

[0067] In the opening element, the beverage outlet opening is positioned above a midpoint (h) between the upper surface of the plate and the tip of the opening element, and preferably closer to the tip of the opening element than closer to the upper surface of the plate. Therefore, the chance of the beverage outlet opening being positioned above the torn stretchable paper is increased compared to an outlet positioned inside the plate or at the interface between the plate and the bottom of the opening element.

[0068] The intermediate position (h) can be defined based on the properties of the material of the capsule designed for use in the extraction device. In particular, the height must be sufficient to ensure that, during the expansion of the cap caused by the pressure increase inside the capsule when water is injected, the stretched paper material pressed against the tip will not cover the beverage outlet opening. For example, the intermediate position can be set at least 1 mm from the surface of the plate.

[0069] When the beverage ingredient is roasted and ground coffee, the intermediate position (h) can also be defined such that the beverage outlet is located inside the roasted and ground coffee bed enclosed in the sac.

[0070] Furthermore, in the opening element, the beverage outlet opening is a slit, such as a long, narrow space or a long, thin cut, and this slit is oriented to extend along a plane (i.e., a plane also transverse to the central axis of the cone), which is parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the plate. Due to this orientation of the slit, the risk of the torn stretchable paper remaining stretched above a portion of the slit is limited, and consistent dispensing can be achieved because the outlet is not partially blocked by the paper, thus avoiding a dangerous dispensing surface.

[0071] Preferably, all opening elements include a beverage outlet.

[0072] Preferably, all beverage outlets have the same shape.

[0073] Typically, the shapes of the upstream component and the encapsulation component of the extraction device are defined according to the shape of the capsule from which it is configured to be extracted. Typically, these shapes are configured such that the inner wall of the closed extraction chamber corresponds to the outer shape of the capsule.

[0074] In one embodiment, the extraction device may be designed to extract cysts having an asymmetrical shape. Specifically, the cysts may be configured such that:

[0075] - The first package seal is a capsule body, which includes side walls and a bottom wall defining the chamber, and a circumferential annular body flange. The capsule body contains the beverage ingredients, and

[0076] - The second package seal is a top cap attached to the circumferential flange, which closes the top opening of the package body.

[0077] Then, the extraction device is configured such that:

[0078] - The upstream component defines a retainer, which is designed to enclose the capsule body and carry the upstream puncture arrangement for opening the bottom wall of the capsule.

[0079] - The downstream component defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate including a downstream puncture arrangement for opening the cap of the sac.

[0080] When the capsule is present and ready for extraction, the capsule body is surrounded by the retainer of the upstream component, and the capsule cap extends along the downstream puncture arrangement. The asymmetrical shape of the capsule has the advantage of forcing the operator to correctly position the capsule inside the extraction device, precisely positioning the cap in front of the downstream puncture arrangement.

[0081] In another embodiment, the extraction device can be designed to extract cysts having a symmetrical shape. Specifically, the cyst can be configured such that:

[0082] - Each of the first and second packing walls is a capsule body, the capsule body including a sidewall and a bottom wall defining half of the chamber, and a circumferential annular body flange.

[0083] - The circumferential annular body flange of the capsule body is attached together.

[0084] The extraction device is then configured such that the upstream and downstream components together define a retainer for encapsulating the capsule.

[0085] In this second embodiment, generally speaking, the upstream encapsulating member and the downstream encapsulating member have similar shapes corresponding to the half-shell, and the pouch is symmetrical along the plane defined by the flange. Therefore, the pouch can be indistinguishably oriented such that the first or second encapsulating wall faces the upstream or downstream encapsulating member. For this purpose, preferably, the two encapsulating walls have the same properties of the material as described below.

[0086] In a third aspect, a beverage preparation machine is provided, which includes a beverage extraction device such as that described above.

[0087] Generally, the beverage machine includes a liquid supply system connected to the upstream encapsulation component. The liquid supply system may include:

[0088] - Liquid supply sources, such as liquid tanks,

[0089] - A pumping component for driving liquid from the liquid supply source to the extraction device.

[0090] - Heating and / or cooling components that adjust the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the capsule.

[0091] The liquid is usually water.

[0092] The beverage machine may include components for actuating the movement of the upstream encapsulation component of the extraction device, either manually or mechanically.

[0093] Typically, the beverage machine includes a control unit configured to control the supply of liquid to the extraction device.

[0094] In one embodiment, the extraction device may be part of a beverage preparation machine and attached to the machine in a non-removable manner. Each of the downstream encapsulation components is fixedly attached to the machine and configured to be movable relative to each other within the machine during beverage preparation operations.

[0095] Generally, the machine may include an insertion section for inserting the bag into the device. Typically, the section is positioned above the upstream bag sealing member and the downstream bag sealing member, such that the bag is inserted between the two members by gravity. Depending on the shape of the bag, the insertion section may be designed to prompt the user to position the bag so that its cap faces the downstream piercing arrangement.

[0096] In another embodiment, the downstream component of the extraction device can be removably positioned within the beverage machine.

[0097] Specifically, the machine may include:

[0098] - A removable capsule retainer, configured to receive and retain the capsule, and

[0099] - A capsule retainer receiving area, which is used to receive the removable capsule retainer.

[0100] The removable capsule retainer includes at least the downstream component of the extraction device.

[0101] When using such a machine, in order to introduce the capsule into the machine, the capsule holder is removed from the receiving area of ​​the machine, and the capsule is positioned inside the holder. The capsule holder is then moved to the receiving area of ​​the machine, where the capsule is ready for extraction.

[0102] Specifically, the extraction device can be manually removed from the beverage machine during the steps of introducing and ejecting the capsule, and then manually reintroduced into the machine for beverage extraction.

[0103] In one first configuration, the upstream component of the extraction device can be non-removably fixed inside the receiving area of ​​the machine. Therefore, when the capsule retainer is received in the receiving area, the extraction device is formed around the capsule.

[0104] In a second preferred embodiment, the removable capsule holder includes the upstream component of the extraction device. Therefore, when the capsule is introduced into the capsule holder, it may already be encapsulated between the downstream and upstream components of the extraction device, and the capsule holder only needs to be introduced into the receiving area to connect the upstream component to the liquid supply source.

[0105] In a first or second mode, the machine may include an actuating member configured to move the capsule holder and the liquid supply source (such as a needle) relative to each other, so as to enable the introduction of liquid into the capsule held in the holder.

[0106] In a fourth aspect, a system is provided that includes a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee.

[0107] The beverage preparation machine is a beverage preparation machine as described above, or includes an extraction device as described above, and

[0108] The capsule includes a first sealing wall and a second sealing wall, the first and second sealing walls defining a chamber for encapsulating the beverage ingredients.

[0109] The first and second bag-sealing walls of the bag are made of a material, and at least a portion of the material is stretchable.

[0110] Due to the configuration of the opening elements in the downstream piercing arrangement, especially the location and orientation of their beverage outlets, the risk of stretched material covering these outlets is avoided, and a consistent coffee extraction operation is achieved.

[0111] In particular, the system is able to achieve consistent extraction when the stretchable portion of the material has an elongation at break of at least 40%.

[0112] In one embodiment, the first and second bag seals of the bag are made of a multi-layered paper material comprising at least one paper layer (A) assembled with at least one plastic layer (B), the at least one plastic layer preferably being a compostable plastic layer that is stretchable.

[0113] The system may include a pouch made of a material, wherein the elongation at break of the stretchable portion of the material increases when subjected to the following:

[0114] - In an atmospheric environment with a water vapor content of 70% and a temperature of 30°C for 48 hours, this corresponds to the use of the capsule in a tropical climate, or

[0115] - In an atmospheric environment with a water vapor content of 65% and a temperature of 20°C for one week, this corresponds to the storage of the capsule in a mild climate before use.

[0116] Therefore, this system can be used with capsules that have variable stretchability, depending on the storage or usage conditions of these capsules. Consistent extraction can still be achieved even if the stretchable portion of the material becomes more stretchable due to long-term storage in mild climates or use under hot and humid conditions such as tropical conditions.

[0117] Typically, the multilayered paper material is oriented such that at least one plastic layer faces the interior portion of the chamber of the capsule.

[0118] Preferably, the capsule contains compacted beverage ingredients, preferably compacted roasted and ground coffee.

[0119] When a portion of the extraction device pushes the capsule to press it against the opening element of the downstream piercing arrangement, the compacted coffee provides a relative surface that improves the tearing of the paper layer during this first step.

[0120] For example, coffee can be compacted as described in WO2020 / 089403 or by any other process.

[0121] Typically, the paper layer of this multi-layered paper material can be a sheet of paper.

[0122] Alternatively, but preferably, for the body of the capsule, the paper layer can be formed in the following manner:

[0123] - Wet pulp molding. The process of forming the body may include the following steps: placing pulp in a mold, for example by filling the mold with the pulp or by immersing the mold in the pulp. The pulp may be pressed in the mold, and the body thus formed may be dried. The pulp can 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.

[0124] or

[0125] - Dry pulp molding. The process of forming the body may include the step of providing a preform, preferably dry cellulose fibers. Then, preferably with the application of heat and / or water, the preform can be formed into the shape of the body using tools. Preferably, the paper layer of the multilayer paper has a density of at least 20 g / m³. 2 Preferred weight is up to 150g / m³ 2 The basis weight. The paper layer forming the molded wall of the body may have a higher basis weight than the paper layer in the cover because the paper layer needs to be stretched and deformed during manufacturing.

[0126] In this application, the paper layer of the multi-layered paper material can also be identified as the main layer.

[0127] Regardless of the type of paper layer, it is assembled with at least one plastic layer. This plastic layer may also be considered a second layer in this application.

[0128] The plastic layer can be selected from the following list:

[0129] - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer,

[0130] - Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer,

[0131] - Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer,

[0132] - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer,

[0133] - Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer,

[0134] - A layer of polymer blends formed from any combination of the above polymers.

[0135] The paper layer can be assembled with several of these different plastic layers.

[0136] The plastic layer reinforces the paper layer's protection against liquids, gases, and moisture in the beverage ingredients.

[0137] Typically, the stretchable portion of this multi-layered paper material is the plastic layer.

[0138] In addition to these paper and plastic layers, preferably, the multilayer paper material may include an additional layer of material that provides a barrier against oxygen. This layer may also be considered a third layer in this application.

[0139] This layer can be selected from the following list:

[0140] - Polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, especially butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer,

[0141] - Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer,

[0142] - Metallized coating

[0143] -SiO x Base coating,

[0144] -AlO x Base coating,

[0145] - Their combination.

[0146] It has been noted that polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layers, particularly butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layers, can have variable stretchability.

[0147] Therefore, for capsules made of materials comprising at least one layer of this type of copolymer, the puncture arrangement structure according to the invention is particularly recommended.

[0148] In one specific embodiment where the additional or third layer is a plastic polymer, the second and third layers can 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.

[0149] Preferably, the inner third layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, particularly a butene glycol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0150] Preferably, the outer second polymer layer may be selected from polylactic acid (PLA) membrane, polybutylene succinate (PBS) membrane, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) membrane, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) membrane, and starch membrane. The second membrane may also consist of a polymer blend formed from any combination of these listed polymers.

[0151] Preferably, the three layers are attached by two intermediate adhesive layers, preferably an anhydride-modified polymer resin. Generally, this multilayer plastic structure is produced by co-extrusion.

[0152] The multilayer paper material may also include ink printing on one of its surfaces. This ink printing is preferably food-safe.

[0153] The multilayer paper material may also include a protective layer on its outermost surface. This protective layer can provide protection in the case of ink printing. In this case, the protective layer is preferably transparent.

[0154] In addition, depending on the quality of the paper used, the protective layer can prevent paper from sticking to the downstream puncture arrangement, with the risk that some small pieces of torn paper may still adhere to the downstream puncture arrangement when the capsule is ejected from the extraction device and after ejection.

[0155] The assembly of these layers can be achieved through any type of process that depends on the properties of the different layers of the material, such as:

[0156] - These layers are co-laminated or co-extruded

[0157] - To coat or deposit a compound onto another layer to form a layer on top of the first layer.

[0158] - Co-extrusion coating.

[0159] Furthermore, these different layers can be bonded together with an intermediate adhesive layer.

[0160] Generally, except that the outer surface of the multi-layered paper material is covered by a protective layer at least for the second package seal, the first and second package seals are made of the same multi-layered paper material. Depending on the type of package, all package seals can be covered by the protective layer, especially when the package can be introduced into the extraction device in any orientation, as in the second embodiment of the package described above.

[0161] The protective layer can be:

[0162] - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer,

[0163] - Cellulose layer (cellophane).

[0164] - Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer,

[0165] - Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer,

[0166] - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer,

[0167] - Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer,

[0168] - A layer of polymer blends formed from any combination of the polymers listed above.

[0169] Preferably, the protective layer is a membrane containing regenerated cellulose, particularly cellophane. ™ .

[0170] Typically, this system is configured to extract a coffee beverage from a capsule containing roasted and ground coffee. In this process of preparing a coffee beverage from this system, at least the following steps occur:

[0171] - In the preparatory step, the capsule is inserted between the upstream and downstream capsule sealing components, positioned in their open positions. This operation can be performed manually by the user or automatically by the motor of the beverage machine. Typically, the capsule is housed in a capsule holder that holds the capsule between the two capsule sealing components, which are held apart from each other in their open positions.

[0172] Then, in the first step, the upstream and / or downstream capsule encapsulation components move relative to each other to their closed positions to form the extraction chamber encapsulating the capsule for the impending extraction. In this step, the outer surfaces of the first and second walls of the capsule come into contact with the surfaces of the upstream and downstream puncture arrangement structures. Typically, the upstream puncture arrangement structure (such as a blade or hollow needle) punctures the first encapsulation wall of the capsule, unless the upstream puncture arrangement structure is retractable and movable in another step.

[0173] Then, in the second step, extractable water is injected by the liquid injector through a hole pierced inside the first wall of the capsule by the upstream piercing arrangement. As the water is injected, it fills the chamber of the capsule. The pressure increases until the second wall of the capsule opens. Opening occurs when the pressure causes the second wall to expand to the point that its engagement with the downstream piercing arrangement tears or pierces the second wall. Once tearing occurs, coffee extracted from roasted and ground coffee by pressurizing the water flows and is dispensed from the machine.

[0174] In this application:

[0175] The term "capsule" is used broadly to refer to any kind of single-dose container suitable for the preparation of beverages or other edible products, such as capsules, boxes, portioned packs, or individual packages, without limitation the shape of the container, particularly the shape of the body, or the type of piercing mechanism required to extract the beverage from it.

[0176] The term "compostable material" can be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally harmless products by biological processes (such as those of microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi, or algae). This process can be carried out in an environment with or without oxygen (aerobic). This can be understood, for example, to mean that composting can be carried out without any residue. Specifically, at the end of the composting process, there are no material residues that could cause environmental problems, or any non-biodegradable components. International standards (e.g., EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400) specify the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0177] - Provide elongation at break at room temperature according to ASTM D 882.

[0178] - Machine orientation refers to the machine orientation (MDO) of the membrane during the manufacture of the polymer membrane, while transverse orientation refers to the direction transverse to the machine orientation.

[0179] The foregoing aspects of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner. Furthermore, various features herein can be combined with one or more of the foregoing aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed descriptions, and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0180] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

[0181] - Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a view of a capsule in a system for use in the present invention according to a first embodiment.

[0182] - Figure 1C and Figure 1D This is a view of the capsule in the system of the present invention according to the second embodiment.

[0183] - Figure 1E The diagram illustrates the multiple layers of paper material used in the packaging.

[0184] - Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are side and top views of the extraction device used in the closed position in the system of the present invention.

[0185] - Figure 3A This is a separated side view of the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components of the extraction device in the open position.

[0186] - Figure 3B It is in a closed position. Figure 3A Separated side view of the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components.

[0187] - Figure 3C It is located at the ejection position of the capsule. Figure 3A Separated side view of the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components.

[0188] - Figure 4A yes Figure 3A A perspective view showing the separation of the upstream capsule encapsulation component.

[0189] - Figure 4B yes Figure 3A A perspective view of the puncture arrangement structure of the downstream capsule encapsulation component.

[0190] - Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid system of a beverage preparation machine.

[0191] - Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the downstream puncture arrangement structure of the extraction device according to the present invention.

[0192] - Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A magnified view of the open element in the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0193] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6A A side view of an open element in the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0194] - Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of the slit in the open element.

[0195] - Figure 9 yes Figure 6A A perspective view of the cross-section of the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0196] - Figure 10A yes Figure 6A A side view of the open element in the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0197] - Figure 10B yes Figure 6A A top view of the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0198] - Figure 11A yes Figure 6AA perspective view of the upper sub-component of the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0199] - Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A magnified view,

[0200] - Figure 12A yes Figure 6A A perspective view of the lower sub-component of the downstream piercing arrangement structure.

[0201] - Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A magnified view,

[0202] - Figure 12C yes Figure 12B Another perspective on opening up component sub-parts

[0203] - Figure 13A and Figure 13B Examples Figure 11A and Figure 12A The assembly of the lower and upper sub-components, Figure 13A A top view of the upper sub-component is provided. Figure 13B A bottom view of the upper sub-component is provided.

[0204] - Figure 12D and Figure 12E Alternative manufacturing methods for the upper sub-components of the component are illustrated.

[0205] - Figure 14 This is a partial view of the downstream puncture arrangement structure based on existing technology.

[0206] - Figure 15 An example of a beverage machine with a removable extraction device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0207] Figure 1A (Perspective view) and Figure 1B (Exploded view) illustrates a first embodiment of the capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction apparatus of the present invention.

[0208] The capsule 3 includes a capsule body 31 having a sidewall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 toward a top. The sidewall 311 extends toward a top opening 312. At the top opening 312, the body includes a circumferential annular flange 314 that extends radially outward from the sidewall 311 along the circumference of the opening 312.

[0209] The flange includes a top surface 3142 facing upwards and a bottom surface 3141.

[0210] Generally speaking, any transverse cross-section of the main body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0211] The main body defines the chamber containing the beverage ingredients.

[0212] The packaged beverage ingredients are preferably those that can be extracted under pressure, like roasted and ground coffee. Preferably, the roasted and ground coffee is tamped.

[0213] In a second-preferred manner, the beverage ingredients can be brewed like tea leaves or dissolved like water-soluble powder ingredients, such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder, or mixtures of said powders, or even soluble liquid ingredients or beverage concentrates (such as syrups or milk concentrates). The powder can be compacted, agglomerated, or calcined.

[0214] The capsule includes a cap 32 that is secured, sealed, or attached to at least a portion of the top surface 3142 of the circumferential flange, and thus covers and closes the top opening 312.

[0215] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be punctured, allowing liquid to be injected into the capsule through the punctured opening, as further described below. Figures 1A to 1B In the middle, the bottom is fairly flat; however, the bottom can take other shapes, such as conical or truncated conical shapes.

[0216] The cap 32 is adapted to open during liquid injection by engaging with the puncture arrangement structure under the action of increased liquid pressure inside the capsule.

[0217] The shape of the capsule is symmetrical with respect to the central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the cap, and the shape of the capsule is asymmetrical with respect to the plane of the cap 32 and the flange 314.

[0218] Preferably, the capsule 3 is made of essentially biodegradable or compostable material, preferably of household compostable material, since the extracted coffee cake can be easily composted at home.

[0219] Preferably, the body and cap of the pouch are made of a multi-layered paper material, which includes a paper layer coated with at least one plastic layer.

[0220] In this multi-layered paper material, the paper layers are capable of being formed, meaning the paper sheet can be given a three-dimensional shape, which is the form of the main body of the capsule described above. Unlike ordinary capsules made of filter paper, this paper is thicker and retains the three-dimensional shape set during the capsule-making process, so that processing and extraction can be achieved in the extraction apparatus of the present invention.

[0221] Preferably, the paper layer of the capsule may have a density of at least 20 g / m³. 2Preferred weight is up to 150g / m³ 2 The basis weight. The body paper can have a higher basis weight than the cover paper because the body paper needs to be stretched and deformed during manufacturing.

[0222] The basis weight of the main body of the paper can be included in 80g / m³. 2 Up to 150g / m 2 between.

[0223] The cap may contain 20g / m 2 Up to 120g / m 2 The weight between.

[0224] In multilayer paper materials, the plastic layer provides additional properties such as air barriers, stretchability, or deformability, as described in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0225] In fact, in order to shape paper into containers for beverages and to form a barrier to protect the beverage ingredients, the paper must be thick enough. Furthermore, to form a barrier against atmospheric oxygen, which is particularly sensitive to roasted and ground coffee, multi-layered paper preferably includes a compostable plastic layer. A sealant layer is typically required to hold the different layers together and prevent delamination.

[0226] According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic layer of the multilayer paper is a multilayer plastic layer including an inner barrier film positioned between two outer polymer films, wherein:

[0227] -The internal barrier membrane is a butene glycol (BVOH) membrane (third layer).

[0228] - The outer polymer membrane can be selected from polylactic acid (PLA) membrane, polybutylene succinate (PBS) membrane, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) membrane, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) membrane, and starch membrane (second layer).

[0229] This layer provides tensile properties to a portion of the paper laminate, particularly the internal barrier film made of butene glycol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0230] The multi-layered paper material of the cap may include at least one additional layer, while the paper material of the body need not include that at least one additional layer. However, the multi-layered paper materials of the cap and the body may also be the same.

[0231] Specifically, the outer surface of the top-sealed multilayer paper material may be covered by a protective layer. According to a preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a membrane containing regenerated cellulose. Like the layers of paper, this protective layer is torn by the downstream puncture arrangement during the first step.

[0232] Figure 1EThe multi-layered paper of the cap 32 is schematically illustrated, comprising an inner surface facing the chamber and an outer surface facing the exterior of the capsule:

[0233] - Plastic layer B with barrier properties,

[0234] -Plastic layer A,

[0235] -Optional protective layer C.

[0236] Figure 1C (Perspective view) and Figure 1D (Exploded view) illustrates a second embodiment of the capsule 3 that can be used in the extraction apparatus of the present invention.

[0237] The capsule includes identical first and second sealing walls 31 and 31': each of them includes capsule bodies 311, 311', which define half of a chamber and circumferential annular body flanges 314, 314', and

[0238] The circumferential annular body flanges of the capsule body are attached together to define a chamber for containing beverage ingredients 33.

[0239] Using this second embodiment, the shape of the capsule is symmetrical with respect to the central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the cap and with respect to the plane of the attached flanges 314, 314'. Therefore, the capsule can be oriented indistinguishably within the extraction device, wherein the first capsule sealing wall 31 or the second capsule sealing wall 31' faces the upstream capsule sealing member. For this purpose, it is preferable that the two sealing members 31, 31' have the same multilayered paper material, wherein the outer surface is made of, for example, a multilayered paper material. Figure 1E The illustrated protective layer C covers this area.

[0240] The following description relates to the ability to act advantageously in accordance with... Figure 1A , Figure 1B The extraction device used in the first embodiment of the above-mentioned capsule 3.

[0241] The following description applies to the capsules according to the second embodiment, except that the extraction device must be adapted to accommodate such capsules. For example, the extraction devices described in WO2007 / 135135, WO2004 / 071259, WO2013026844 or EP1767129 may be used.

[0242] Figure 2A This is a side view of an extraction device according to the present invention, which includes an upstream capsule encapsulation component 2 and a downstream capsule encapsulation component 1 capable of relative translation along a longitudinal axis XX'. Typically, this axis XX' is substantially horizontal. Figure 2AIn this configuration, the two components are in a closed position and form an extraction chamber configured to encapsulate the capsule during extraction. The capsule is introduced through an insertion section 4 positioned above the two encapsulation components 1 and 2, and falls from this insertion section onto the two encapsulation components 1 and 2 by gravity. After extraction, as the two encapsulation components 1 and 2 are removed from each other, the capsule falls again below them by gravity. Arrow F illustrates the movement of the capsule from insertion into the extraction device to ejection from the device.

[0243] Two encapsulation components 1 and 2 are held between two lateral and longitudinal metal sheets 6a and 6b and are movable between them. At least one of these components is capable of translational movement between the two sheets to evaluate different relative and functional positions. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the downstream encapsulation component 1 is fixed, and only the upstream encapsulation component 2 is capable of moving back and forth along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0244] Figure 2B This is a top view of the extraction device located at the same relative positions of the upstream capsule encapsulation component 2 and the downstream capsule encapsulation component 1. The insertion section 4, particularly its housing, is designed to allow the capsule 2 to be inserted with its cap 32 facing the downstream capsule encapsulation component 1 and thus the piercing arrangement structure 12 of the encapsulation component, as explained below. This prompts the user to correctly position the asymmetric capsule 3 inside the extraction device.

[0245] like Figure 5 As illustrated, in a beverage preparation machine including an extraction device, the upstream capsule encapsulation component (specifically, the liquid injector 25) is connected to a liquid supply source, preferably pressurized water. This liquid supply system typically includes:

[0246] - Liquid supply sources, such as liquid tank 71

[0247] - Pump 72, which is used to drive liquid from a liquid supply source to liquid injector 25.

[0248] - Heating and / or cooling component 73, which is used to adjust the temperature of the liquid before the liquid is introduced into the capsule by the liquid injector.

[0249] The beverage machine includes a control unit 8, which is configured to supply liquid to the extraction device.

[0250] The downstream capsule encapsulation component 1 is configured to collect the beverage 91 prepared from the extract of the capsule and dispense it into the drinking cup 9 via a dispensing tube.

[0251] Figures 3A to 3C They are in different relative and functional positions. Figure 2A , Figure 2B Separate side views of the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components 1 and 2 of the extraction device. In these separate views, the insertion section 4 and longitudinal sheets 6a and 6b are removed to better show the different elements of components 1 and 2. Furthermore, the position of the capsule 3 is schematically illustrated with dashed lines.

[0252] exist Figure 3A In this configuration, the upstream bag-sealing component 1 and the downstream bag-sealing component 2 are positioned in the open position to allow insertion of the bag from the upper side. A bag retainer 11, positioned in a receiving position to receive and hold the bag, can be seen in front of the downstream bag-sealing component 1, as described below. Figure 4A Further details are provided.

[0253] exist Figure 3B In the process, the upstream capsule encapsulation component 1 and the downstream capsule encapsulation component 2 are positioned in a closed position and form an extraction chamber encapsulating the capsule during extraction.

[0254] Figure 3C An example is shown of the upstream capsule encapsulation component 2 being delivered from... Figure 3B The moment when the closed position moves to the capsule ejection position as shown by arrow H.

[0255] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of the separation of the upstream capsule encapsulation component 2.

[0256] The upstream component defines an empty retainer or cavity 21 for encapsulating the main body of the capsule.

[0257] The upstream wall of the retainer carries an upstream puncture arrangement 22 for opening the bottom wall 313 of the capsule body. The upstream wall includes at least one liquid injector 25 for supplying liquid into the capsule through an opening in the bottom wall of the capsule.

[0258] The upstream puncture arrangement may include puncture devices in the form of blades. These blades may be designed and positioned such that when the upstream and downstream capsule encapsulation components are positioned as... Figure 3B The puncture site is located in the closed position of the sac body, piercing the bottom wall of the sac body. A liquid injector 25, such as a sprayer located on the upstream wall of the retainer, can introduce extractive fluid into the retainer and through the pre-punctured opening.

[0259] Figure 4B yes Figure 3AA detached perspective view of the downstream capsule encapsulation component 2. The downstream component 1 defines a plate perpendicular (i.e., transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate includes a fixed-center downstream planar puncture arrangement 12 for opening the cap 32 of the capsule when extractable liquid is introduced into the capsule and the cap 32 of the capsule is inflated. Typically, the fixed-center downstream planar puncture arrangement 12 is circular, similar to the cap of the capsule.

[0260] Under the pressure increase of the injected liquid in the main chamber of the capsule, the opening component 122 engages with the cap, thereby opening the capsule.

[0261] Downstream component 1 includes a pouch retainer 11 attached to peripheral region 13. During attachment, the pouch retainer is movable between two positions. Figure 4B In this configuration, the capsule retainer 11 is in a first position for receiving the capsule and holding its cap in front of the downstream planar piercing arrangement. When the upstream encapsulation component moves to the downstream encapsulation component and the chamber closes, this movement causes the capsule cap to abut against the downstream planar piercing arrangement 12. Simultaneously, a pair of retaining elements 11a, 11b move from the receiving position to a second retracted position on the lateral side of the downstream planar piercing arrangement.

[0262] although Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated encapsulation component is designed for, for example, Figure 1A , Figure 1B The illustrated extraction of the capsule (the capsule shape is asymmetrical relative to the plane of the cap and flange), however, the principle of the downstream puncture arrangement 12 described below is applicable to structures designed for, for example... Figure 1C , Figure 1D The illustrated downstream encapsulation component for extracting the capsule.

[0263] Figure 15 Examples Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the beverage preparation machine. The machine includes a capsule holder 10 removable from the machine's receiving area 101, enabling manual introduction and ejection of capsules 3. The capsule holder 10 includes at least a downstream component of the extraction device. The upstream component of the extraction device may be:

[0264] - A portion of the pouch retainer, for example in the form of a movable cover, configured to cover or expose the pouch introduced into the retainer during introduction and ejection operations. The cover may be hinged to the pouch-receiving area of ​​the pouch retainer. The cover may include a piercing member to pierce the pouch cap 32 and enable water to be introduced into the pouch.

[0265] or

[0266] - It can be part of a receiving area, wherein once the capsule retainer is positioned inside the receiving area, the receiving area can be configured to mate with the capsule.

[0267] Inside the machine, the upstream component of the extraction device is connected to a liquid supply source, preferably pressurized water. This liquid supply system typically includes:

[0268] - Liquid supply sources, such as liquid tanks,

[0269] - A pump used to drive liquid from a liquid supply source to a liquid injector in an upstream component of the extraction device.

[0270] - A heating and / or cooling component for adjusting the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the capsule by the liquid injector.

[0271] The beverage machine includes a control unit configured to supply liquid to the extraction device.

[0272] The upstream capsule encapsulation component is designed to collect the beverage 91 extracted from the capsule and dispense it into the drinking cup 9 via a dispensing tube.

[0273] Figure 6A This is a separate view of the downstream puncture arrangement structure 12 of the extraction device according to the present invention.

[0274] The downstream piercing arrangement structure 12 includes a plate 121 and an opening element 122 protruding from the surface.

[0275] like Figure 6B The illustration shows an enlarged view of some of these opening elements 122. These opening elements 122 protrude from the surface 121 of the plate and have a conical shape with a tip 1221. This tip helps to pierce the paper material during extraction. In particular, the tip can enter the coffee bed held inside the capsule, so that the hole 1222 can be positioned inside the coffee bed during coffee preparation.

[0276] The surfaces of these opening elements include a beverage outlet opening 1222, which is configured to dispense beverage from the punctured capsule into a drinking cup. For example... Figure 9 The illustration is a cross-sectional view of the downstream perforation arrangement, each of these openings engaging with a perforation 123 configured to drive the beverage from the beverage outlet opening 1222 through the plate 12 and downstream.

[0277] Figure 7 Take one of these opening elements 122 as an example.

[0278] The tip 1221 extends a height H from the upper surface 1211 of the plate.

[0279] The beverage outlet opening 1222 is positioned above the midpoint h between the upper surface 1211 of the plate and the tip 1221 of the opening element. Therefore, when using a stretchable material, the risk of the beverage outlet opening 1222 being blocked by the stretchable material is avoided.

[0280] Furthermore, the beverage outlet opening 1222 is a slit extending along a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surface 1211 of the plate. This avoids the risk of a portion of the beverage outlet opening 1222 (specifically, the portion closer to the base 1220) being partially closed by the paper material. Thus, the entire surface of the beverage outlet opening 1222 remains unobstructed for beverage discharge, achieving consistent beverage preparation, which is not the case when the beverage outlet is designed along the generatrix of the cone. Coffee extraction is achieved consistently through all calibration holes 1222.

[0281] Figure 8 A preferred embodiment of the beverage outlet opening 1222, which is in the form of a generally rectangular opening, is illustrated, wherein the longest dimension is parallel to the upper surface of the plate. Other shapes of the slit can also be achieved, provided that the lower portion of the shape is parallel to the plane of the upper surface 1211 of the plate to avoid obstruction by stretched material. Generally, a rectangular opening represents a shape that is easier to design, especially when manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0282] Preferably, the size is fixed to prevent coffee particles from passing through. In particular, the slit size can be designed to filter particles with a diameter of approximately 0.3 mm.

[0283] In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of the slit can be about 0.5 mm, and the height l of the slit can be about 0.15 mm.

[0284] Figure 10A A preferred embodiment of the opening element 122 is illustrated. The opening element includes:

[0285] - Base 1220, which has the shape of a truncated cone, typically a truncated cone, because the cone is cut by a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the cone.

[0286] and

[0287] The cone and the truncated cone have the same central axis XX', but the difference between the two cones lies in the angle between their generatrices and the central axis XX'. Specifically, the angle α2 between the generatrices of the basal cone and the axis is smaller than the angle α1 between the generatrices of the apical cone and the axis.

[0288] Using this preferred embodiment, intrusion of opening elements on the surface of the board can be minimized while maintaining:

[0289] - Open the tip of the component to a sufficient height above the upper surface of the board, and

[0290] - A sufficient number of opening elements protruding from the plate.

[0291] Therefore, when the chamber of the extraction device is closed around the capsule and the surface of the capsule wall is positioned along the downstream puncture arrangement, the surface between the opening elements 122 is large enough that the paper laminate wall can extend along the upper surface 122 of the plate between the protruding opening elements 122. The risk of the paper folding between the opening elements 122 is limited.

[0292] The walls of the capsule can be flattened on the surface of the abutment plate between the opening elements, minimizing the risk of the paper being folded and clogging the beverage outlet opening. The shape of the opening elements is designed to provide sufficient distance between them and limit this risk.

[0293] Figure 10B This illustrates such an intrusion into an opening element, where the distance between the closest opening elements is d.

[0294] Depending on the type of system for the capsule and beverage extraction machine, the plate may have a code destroyer 124 between the opening elements. This code destroyer is configured to damage, destroy, or erase the code located on the surface of the capsule wall and prevent the capsule or code from being reused for beverage preparation by the machine.

[0295] This code breaker can simply include protruding elements sufficient to corrupt the code and make it unreadable.

[0296] The codebreaker targets the code in the region where the machine is configured to read code from a capsule.

[0297] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As illustrated, the downstream piercing arrangement 12 is preferably an assembly of an upper sub-component plate 12a and a lower sub-component plate 12b, wherein the upper sub-component plate 12a and the lower sub-component plate 12b are designed to form a beverage outlet opening 1222 and / or an opening element during assembly.

[0298] In particular, each of the sub-component plates 12a, 12b may include a portion of each open element 122 of the assembled downstream piercing arrangement.

[0299] For each opening element, the upper sub-component plate 12a includes an upper sub-component 122a for the opening element and a receiving hole 120a designed for assembly with the lower sub-component plate. For each opening element, the lower sub-component plate 12b includes a lower sub-component 122b for the opening element.

[0300] For each opening element 122, the shape and size of the lower sub-component, the upper sub-component, and the receiving hole are designed such that the lower sub-component 122b can slide in the receiving hole 120a of the upper sub-plate (as illustrated in FIG13), and when positioned in the receiving hole, the lower sub-component cooperates with the upper sub-component 122a to form a complete downstream piercing arrangement 12.

[0301] These two components can be easily assembled together without any seals between them, allowing them to be easily separated for cleaning or maintenance. For example, they can be assembled via snap-fit.

[0302] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in the upper subplate 12a, the upper sub-component 122a of each opening element includes an end corresponding to the tapered tip 1221 of the opening element and a base 1220a corresponding to the longitudinal section of the base of the opening element.

[0303] like Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12C As shown in the lower sub-plate 12b, each open element has a lower sub-component 122b:

[0304] -A base 1220b having a base 1220a complementary to the opening element of the upper sub-component 122a, such that when the upper and lower sub-components are assembled, the opening element 122 is formed and designed to open the wall of the capsule.

[0305] - Including a recess 1222b, which forms a beverage outlet opening 1222 in the surface of the opening element when the upper and lower sub-components are assembled.

[0306] - Includes a beverage outlet conduit 1223b, which leads to a perforation 123 passing through the lower subplate 12b (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0307] This construction of the downstream piercing arrangement 12 with two sub-plates makes it possible to design very small beverage outlet openings 1222 inside each opening element, which cannot be achieved by injection molding of a plate made from a single piece of material.

[0308] Figure 12D and Figure 12EAn alternative manufacturing method for the upper sub-component 12a of component 12 is illustrated. This is to avoid the presence of plastic burrs (e.g., those that may occur in) in front of the beverage outlet opening 1222. Figure 11B In the illustrated upper component 12a), the parting line 122b of the mold is positioned away from the beverage outlet opening 1222, thus eliminating the risk that such burrs would bend inside the beverage outlet opening 1222 if the cap of the capsule is punctured.

[0309] Example

[0310] from Figure 1A and Figure 1B The illustrated example is a coffee preparation using a capsule containing 7.5g of roasted and ground coffee.

[0311] The body 31 of the capsule is made of multilayer paper material with a thickness of 195µm and includes:

[0312] -Outer paper layer A, and

[0313] - Inner plastic layer B, the inner plastic layer including an inner barrier membrane positioned between two outer polymer films, wherein:

[0314] The internal barrier membrane is a BVOH sheet (Nichigo G-Polymer supplied by Nippon Goshei). ™ ),and

[0315] The two outer polymer films have the same properties and are polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) (supplied by BASF's Ecovio). ® ).

[0316] The capsule cap 32 is made of multi-layered paper material with a thickness of approximately 165µm and includes:

[0317] -Inner plastic layer B, which is the same as the inner plastic layer used for the main body of the capsule.

[0318] - Intermediate layer paper A, which has a lower thickness than the paper layers used in the main multilayer paper material, and

[0319] - An outer protective layer C made of regenerated cellulose (cellophane 23NE manufactured by Futamura).

[0320] The inner plastic layer B is stretchable, and its stretchability increases under tropical conditions, as measured in Table 1. In particular, the elongation at break in the transverse direction of the plastic film B increased fivefold in just two days under tropical conditions (30°C temperature, 70% humidity).

[0321] Measurements were taken only on plastic layer B (meaning it was not laminated onto the paper).

[0322]

[0323] Coffee beverages are prepared from capsules under two different conditions:

[0324] - First, the extraction device includes, for example, Figures 2A to 5 The illustrated beverage machine's internal components, such as Figure 6A The downstream puncture arrangement is illustrated in Figure 13. The downstream puncture arrangement has the following characteristics:

[0325] H=1.9mm

[0326] h=1.1mm

[0327] .l=0.15mm

[0328] L=0.5mm

[0329] - Secondly, existing extraction devices include, for example, Figures 2A to 5 The illustrated beverage machine's internal components, such as Figure 14 The illustrated downstream piercing arrangement structure. This prior art downstream piercing arrangement structure includes tapered opening elements 12 that project from the upper surface 1211 of the plate. These opening elements 12 include beverage outlet openings 1222. These openings 1222 are located at the base of the opening elements: they extend from the upper surface 1211 of the plate along the surface of the opening elements to a midpoint height. Key features are:

[0330] The height of the tip of the cone from the upper surface of the plate: H = 1.9 mm

[0331] The height of the opening extending within the cone: 1.02 mm

[0332] The length of the opening extending through the plate: 0.6mm

[0333] Coffee is prepared in the same way in both extraction devices: coffee pods are extracted with 40 ml (espresso) or 110 ml (long cup coffee) of hot water at 85°C and supplied at a pressure of 10 to 12 bar.

[0334] Coffee is prepared using the following substances:

[0335] -The capsules removed from the secondary packaging are then packaged back into that secondary packaging after manufacturing.

[0336] - Capsules stored for 7 days under tropical conditions (30°C temperature, 70% humidity atmospheric environment).

[0337] The following extracted features were measured:

[0338] - Flow time corresponds to the time it takes for coffee to flow through the drinking cup. Flow time begins with the first drop of coffee in the cup and ends when the target extraction volume (40ml or 110ml) is achieved.

[0339] - Low flow time corresponds to the time between the moment the pump starts and the moment the flow rate in the cup reaches 20 ml / min. Low flow time represents the period during which the coffee flows drop by drop at the start of extraction; - An excessively long low flow time may trigger the machine to shut down because this low flow rate cannot be detected by the machine's flow meter, and the machine's control unit may interpret this time as an empty tank and may shut down the pump after, for example, 10 seconds.

[0340] The results are provided in Table 2:

[0341]

[0342] It was observed that, using the existing downstream puncture arrangement, the flow time for preparing espresso and longcooked coffee systematically increased after 7 days under tropical conditions; this was due to the stretched plastic layer blocking the beverage outlet in the downstream puncture element. Using the existing downstream puncture arrangement, after 7 days under tropical conditions, the increase was approximately 5 seconds for espresso and approximately 20 seconds for longcooked coffee: despite using the same capsules and the same machine, this difference in relation to coffee volume (40ml and 110ml, respectively) genuinely affected the flavor of the extracted coffee and produced inconsistency. Coffee preparation using existing machines is inconsistent.

[0343] Conversely, using the machine of this invention, after 7 days under tropical conditions, the flow time for preparing espresso and long latte did not increase: for espresso, it remained similar (difference of 2.6 seconds), while for long latte, it even decreased. The flow time was more consistent and unaffected by the capsule's exposure to tropical conditions.

[0344] It was observed that, compared to the prior art, the present invention reduces the low-flow time, which limits the risk of coffee preparation stopping (by shutting down the pump) due to the stretched material covering the outlet opening.

[0345] Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown above, it should be understood that the invention protected by the claims is not limited in any way to these shown embodiments.

[0346] Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, if known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents should be incorporated as expressly mentioned in this specification.

[0347] As used in this specification, the words “including,” “contains,” and similar terms should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these terms are intended to mean “including but not limited to.”

[0348] Index list in the attached figure :

[0349] Downstream encapsulation component 1

[0350] Capsule retainer 11

[0351] Downstream piercing arrangement structure 12

[0352] Upper component plate 12a

[0353] Open component sub-part 122a

[0354] Fractal line 122b

[0355] Receiving hole 120a

[0356] 1220a truncated base

[0357] Lower component plate 12b

[0358] Open component sub-part 122b

[0359] 1220b truncated base

[0360] Board 121

[0361] Surface 1211

[0362] Open component 122

[0363] Base 1220

[0364] Tip 1221

[0365] Beverage outlet opening 1222

[0366] Sub-component 1222b

[0367] Beverage outlet conduit 1223b

[0368] 123 piercing

[0369] Code Breaker 124

[0370] Hole 125a

[0371] Surrounding Area 13

[0372] Chassis 14

[0373] Upstream encapsulation component 2

[0374] Cage 21

[0375] Upstream piercing arrangement structure 22

[0376] Liquid Injector 25

[0377] Capsule 3

[0378] Main body 31, 31'

[0379] Sidewalls 311, 311'

[0380] Top end 3111

[0381] Top opening 312

[0382] Bottom wall 313

[0383] Flange 314, 314'

[0384] Top face 3141

[0385] Bottom surface 3142

[0386] 32 Caps

[0387] Ingredients 33

[0388] Insertion section 4

[0389] Lateral sheets 6a, 6b

[0390] Can 71

[0391] Pump 72

[0392] Heater 73

[0393] Control Unit 8

[0394] Cup 9

[0395] Beverage 91

[0396] Removable capsule retainer 10

[0397] Capsule retainer receiving area 101

Claims

1. Piercing arrangement (12) for piercing a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roasted and ground coffee, comprising: - a plate (121), wherein the upper surface (1211) of the plate comprises an opening element (122) protruding from the surface, and - a perforation (123) and each of the opening elements (122) has: - a tip (1221), and - a surface comprising a beverage outlet opening (1222) cooperating with the perforation (123), characterized in that the piercing arrangement (12) is an assembly of an upper sub-plate (12a) and a lower sub-plate (12b), and wherein, for each of the opening elements (122), - the beverage outlet opening (1222) is positioned above an intermediate position (h) between the upper surface (1211) of the plate and the tip (1221) of the opening element, and - the beverage outlet opening (1222) is a slit extending along a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surface (1211) of the plate, and wherein the upper sub-plate (12a) and the lower sub-plate (12b) are designed so that, when assembled, the beverage outlet opening (1222) and / or the opening element is formed.

2. Piercing arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the beverage outlet opening (1222) is designed to filter particles having a diameter of about 0.3 mm.

3. The puncturing arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, For each of the opening elements (122): - the upper sub-plate (12a) comprises an upper sub-part (122a) of the opening element protruding from the upper surface of the upper sub-plate and a corresponding receiving hole (120a) extending through the upper plate, and - the lower sub-plate (12b) comprises a corresponding lower sub-part (122b) of the opening element protruding from the upper surface of the lower sub-plate and a corresponding perforation (123) extending through the lower sub-plate to discharge a beverage, and wherein the receiving hole (120a) of the upper plate is designed to receive the lower sub-plate (12b) of the opening element of the lower plate when the sub-plates are assembled, and wherein the upper sub-part (122a) and the lower sub-part (122b) of the opening element are designed so that, when the sub-plates (12a, 12b) are assembled, the beverage outlet opening (1222) is formed between the assembled sub-parts (122a, 122b) of the opening element.

4. Piercing arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening element (122) comprises: - a base (1220) having the shape of a truncated cone, - the tip (1221) having the shape of a cone, wherein the cone and the truncated cone have the same axis, and wherein the angle (a2) of the generatrix of the cone of the base with the axis is smaller than the angle (ai) of the generatrix of the cone of the tip with the axis.

5. The piercing arrangement (12) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein In said upper sub-component plate (12a), said upper sub-component (122a) of said opening element comprises: - an end, said end being a tapered tip (1221) of said opening element, and - a base (1220a) corresponding to a longitudinal section of a base of said opening element.

6. The puncturing arrangement (12) according to claim 5, wherein In said lower sub-component plate (12a), said lower sub-component (122b) of said opening element protruding from an upper surface of said lower sub-component plate: - has a base (1220b) complementary to a base (1220a) of said opening element of said upper sub-component (122a), and - comprises a recess (1222b) which, when assembled to the corresponding upper sub-component (122a) of said opening element, constitutes said beverage outlet opening (1222) and a beverage outlet conduit.

7. Beverage extraction device for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roasted and ground coffee, said extraction device comprising: - an upstream capsule enclosing component (2) and a downstream capsule enclosing component (1) relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting said capsule (3) and a closed position for forming, during extraction, an extraction chamber (5) enclosing said capsule, - said upstream component (2) carrying: . an upstream piercing arrangement (22) for opening a first enclosing wall (31) of said capsule, and . a liquid injector (25), - said downstream component (1) comprising a downstream piercing arrangement (12) for opening an enclosing wall (32) of said capsule, said downstream piercing arrangement being a piercing arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Beverage preparation machine comprising a beverage extraction device according to claim 7.

9. Beverage preparation machine according to claim 8, wherein said extraction device is positioned in said beverage machine in a non-removable manner.

10. Beverage preparation machine according to claim 8, wherein at least said downstream component (1) of said extraction device is positioned in said beverage machine in a removable manner.

11. Beverage preparation machine according to claim 10, wherein said machine comprises: - a removable capsule holder (10) configured for housing and holding said capsule (3), and - a capsule holder housing area (101) for housing said removable capsule holder (10), and wherein said removable capsule holder (10) comprises at least said downstream component (1) of said extraction device, and preferably said upstream component of said extraction device.

12. System comprising a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roasted and ground coffee, wherein said beverage preparation machine is a beverage preparation machine according to any one of claims 8 to 11, and The capsule (3) includes a first and a second sealing wall (31, 31', 32), the first and second sealing walls defining a chamber for encapsulating the beverage ingredients (33), and The first and second bag-sealing walls of the bag are made of a material, and at least a portion of the material is stretchable.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first and second bag seals of the bag are made of a multilayer paper material comprising at least one paper layer (A), the at least one paper layer being assembled with at least one plastic layer (B), the at least one plastic layer preferably being a compostable plastic layer, the plastic layer being stretchable.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein at least one plastic layer (B) is made of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, particularly a butene glycol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) layer.

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