Extraction layout structure of beverage extraction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extraction arrangement (121; 131) for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, the extraction arrangement comprising: a plurality of opening elements (122; 132) protruding from at least one piercing surface (123; 133) facing, in use, the capsule (10) to be opened sealing wall (11); and a plurality of perforations for discharging beverage dispensed from the opened sealing wall (11), wherein each of the opening elements (122; 132) has an outlet opening (122''; 132'') engaging with a perforation and / or a pointed end (122'; 132'), wherein the pointed end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122; 132) are arranged on a non-planar virtual surface facing, in use, the non-planar virtual surface facing the sealing wall (11) so as to substantially match the sealing wall (11) of the capsule (10).

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.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of extraction arrangement structures of beverage extraction apparatuses for extracting beverages from a container body used for food products, preferably containing beverage ingredients (such as roasted and ground coffee powder). Background Technology

[0003] 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 of any material that is recyclable or non-recyclable, biodegradable or non-biodegradable (such as aluminum, plastic, filter paper).

[0004] 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: - 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 - A downstream component defining a plate that includes a downstream planar extraction 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 of the orifices formed in the cap by the protruding elements.

[0005] 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 extraction arrangement is designed to open the cap by engaging with the cap against the extraction arrangement under the pressure increase of the injected liquid in the capsule's main chamber and by causing the cap to expand against the extraction arrangement.

[0006] In order to respect the environment, there is a need today to use capsules made of biodegradable and / or degradable materials, especially those made primarily of cellulose-based materials.

[0007] These new materials cause specific problems during beverage preparation and encapsulation processing in extraction devices, particularly making it difficult to achieve optimal extraction of roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0008] In the case of cellulose-based materials, the cellulose-based layer can have a high thickness to provide rigidity to the capsule and maintain its shape. Furthermore, since the cellulose-based layer cannot protect the beverage ingredients from atmospheric effects, cellulose-based materials typically include a layer that forms a protective barrier against the atmosphere. This layer is usually made of a biodegradable polymer, and the cellulose-based material is a laminate of at least a cellulose-based layer (such as paper) and the biodegradable barrier polymer layer. For example, such a biodegradable polymer barrier layer is described in WO 2023 / 052144A1.

[0009] The use of this type of cellulose-based material can affect the proper extraction of beverage ingredients (such as roasted and ground coffee powder) within the extraction chamber. Specifically, biodegradable barrier polymers can possess such stretchable properties that they are difficult to puncture through currently existing downstream planar extraction arrangements. In particular, the material is stretched by the protruding elements of the pyramid 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 orifice configured for beverage discharge.

[0010] 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.

[0011] It has been observed that this high stretchability of cellulose-based layers is particularly pronounced when the capsules 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, this extraction quality issue is amplified in tropical climates.

[0012] Furthermore, the formation of cellulose-based capsules requires folds that are tightly sealed, thus necessitating large mechanisms with high-torque motors in beverage extraction devices or corresponding beverage preparation machines.

[0013] In the prior art, different types of downstream planar extraction arrangements have been defined, which include protruding elements designed to pierce the expansion wall and holes for discharging beverages, with the beverages flowing out from the openings formed by the protruding elements.

[0014] In EP1247480 and EP1295554, the protruding element is a needle with a conical shape. Each of these needles includes an opening communicating with a beverage outlet conduit.

[0015] When using capsules made of stretchable paper material, the openings of such needle and planar extraction arrangements cannot achieve reliable puncture and beverage expulsion. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to provide an extraction arrangement structure for piercing a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder, which minimizes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0017] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an extraction arrangement structure that allows for proper extraction by maintaining the consistency of the quality of the extracted beverage, even for cellulose-based capsules.

[0018] In a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned objective is achieved by an extraction arrangement according to the appended claims, which is used to extract a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0019] The extraction arrangement includes, and preferably comprises, the following: a plurality of opening elements protruding from at least one extraction surface, facing in use the non-planar encapsulation wall of the capsule to be opened, and the opening elements defining an outlet opening in the encapsulation wall; and a plurality of perforations for discharging beverage dispensed from the outlet opening in the opened encapsulation wall. Each of these opening elements has an outlet opening that mates with a perforation and / or a pointed tip. The tip and / or outlet opening are arranged on a non-planar virtual surface facing the encapsulation wall so as to substantially match the non-planar encapsulation wall of the capsule to be opened, and The tip and / or outlet opening are arranged such that the tip and / or outlet opening are located at a different position in the central portion of the extraction arrangement structure compared to their position in the adjacent side portion of the extraction arrangement structure.

[0020] Beverage extraction can be accomplished by abutting the sealed wall of the sac body against a pointed end and / or outlet opening located on such a virtual surface. In particular, the shape of the non-planar virtual surface can substantially conform to the shape of the sealed wall to be opened (such as a top wall with a non-planar shape), thereby extracting (or brewing) the beverage in a reverse manner (i.e., from the surface defining the sac body rather than from the cap). Furthermore, since the force required to pierce the sac body is small, wrinkles formed on the body do not affect extraction.

[0021] In one implementation, the virtual surface is a curved virtual surface or a stepped virtual surface.

[0022] In one implementation, the virtual surface is concave.

[0023] Curved or stepped virtual surfaces allow for better extraction of beverage ingredients, especially from pods defined by cellulose-based materials. This seems particularly relevant when the virtual surface has a concave shape. However, convex virtual surfaces can also be used to match the corresponding concave pod walls.

[0024] In one embodiment, the tip and / or outlet opening is arranged such that the tip and / or outlet opening is located at a lower position in the central portion of the extraction arrangement and at a higher position in the side portion of the extraction arrangement adjacent to the central portion.

[0025] This allows for the conformation of the body shape of the sac, such as a curved, conical, or truncated conical shape with a base wall.

[0026] In one embodiment, the opening element has a different height, such that the tip and / or outlet opening are arranged on a virtual surface. Alternatively or in combination, the extraction surface has a non-planar shape, preferably a curved or stepped shape, such that the tip and / or outlet opening are arranged on a virtual surface, preferably on a curved virtual surface or on a stepped virtual surface.

[0027] In one implementation, the extracted surface has the same shape as the virtual surface.

[0028] Therefore, virtual surfaces can be defined by having a planar extraction surface (with open elements of varying heights), or by an extraction surface (with a non-planar shape), or even by a combination of both solutions (i.e., curved virtual surfaces or stepped virtual surfaces).

[0029] In one embodiment, the curved virtual surface is defined by a spherical or hemispherical surface. Alternatively, the stepped virtual surface is defined by at least two planar portions (a lower planar portion and at least one higher planar portion) arranged at different locations.

[0030] When a stepped virtual surface includes more than one higher plane portion, these higher plane portions can be arranged such that they define multiple steps in the stepped virtual surface.

[0031] The lower piercing portion may be arranged at the central portion of the piercing arrangement structure, and one or more higher piercing portions may be arranged at the side portions of the piercing arrangement structure. In particular, the higher piercing portions may be arranged substantially concentrically with the lower piercing portions.

[0032] In one embodiment, one or more extraction surfaces have the same shape as the virtual surface, preferably the same shape as the curved virtual surface or the stepped virtual surface. Therefore, preferably, the opening elements protruding from at least one extraction surface may have the same height to define the corresponding virtual surface, i.e., the curved virtual surface or the stepped virtual surface for the tip tip and / or the outlet opening.

[0033] In one embodiment, the extraction surface may be defined by an extraction plate having a curved shape, preferably a concave curved shape. That is, the extraction surface may be defined by an extraction plate having a cap shape or a hemispherical shape. Alternatively, the extraction surface may be defined by an extraction plate having a stepped shape, preferably a concave stepped shape, the extraction plate having at least two planar extraction portions (a lower planar extraction portion and at least one higher planar extraction portion) arranged at different locations, these portions preferably defining corresponding lower planar portions and at least one higher planar portions. That is, the extraction surface may be defined by an extraction plate having a stepped shape, or by at least two extraction plates arranged at different locations, such as defining a lower extraction plate and at least one higher extraction plate. In a later embodiment, when the extraction plate includes more than one higher piercing plate, these piercing plates may be arranged such that they define multiple steps in the concave stepped shape, as already described for a stepped virtual surface.

[0034] On the other hand, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a beverage extraction device according to the appended claims, which is used to extract a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0035] The beverage extraction device includes a first capsule sealing component and a second capsule sealing component. The first and second capsule sealing components are movable relative to each other between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a capsule and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber. The extraction chamber is capable of sealing the capsule during extraction. The first capsule encapsulation component includes a puncture arrangement structure and a liquid injector. The puncture arrangement structure is used to open the first sealing wall of the capsule, and the liquid injector is fluidly connected to the puncture arrangement structure to guide liquid into the puncture arrangement structure. The second capsule sealing component includes an extraction arrangement structure for opening the second capsule seal. The extraction arrangement structure is the extraction arrangement structure according to the appended claims.

[0036] The first capsule encapsulation component and the second capsule encapsulation component can refer to the upstream encapsulation component and the downstream encapsulation component, respectively, relative to the flow of liquid to be injected for capsule extraction.

[0037] In one embodiment, the piercing arrangement is also the extractable arrangement according to the appended claims.

[0038] In this case, a sac with a symmetrical shape may be used appropriately.

[0039] On the other hand, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a beverage preparation machine according to the appended claims, which is used to extract a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0040] The beverage preparation machine includes a beverage extraction device according to the appended claims.

[0041] In one implementation, the extraction device is positioned in the beverage machine in a non-removable manner.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, at least a second capsule encapsulation component of the beverage extraction device is removably positioned within the beverage machine.

[0043] In another alternative embodiment, the beverage preparation machine includes: - A removable capsule retainer, configured to receive and retain the capsule, and -Creamer receiving area, which is used to receive a removable reclamation retainer, and The removable capsule retainer includes at least a second capsule sealing component of the beverage extraction device, and preferably includes a first capsule sealing component of the beverage extraction device.

[0044] On the other hand, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a system according to the appended claims, which includes a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0045] The system includes a beverage preparation machine according to the appended claims, wherein the capsule includes a first capsule seal and a second capsule seal, the first capsule seal and the second capsule seal defining a chamber for encapsulating beverage ingredients, and

[0046] The first and second packing walls of the capsules are made of a multilayer cellulose-based material, which includes at least one paper layer assembled with at least one plastic layer, preferably a biodegradable plastic layer, which is stretchable. Attached Figure Description

[0047] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the disclosure of preferred embodiments, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of the capsule used in conjunction with the extraction arrangement structure of the present invention; - Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Bottom perspective view of the sac; - Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective cross-sectional view of the top of the sac; - Figure 2A This is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the extraction arrangement structure of the present invention according to the first embodiment; - Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Having Figure 1A Top perspective cross-sectional view of the extraction arrangement structure of the capsule; - Figure 3A This is a top perspective view of the extraction arrangement structure of the present invention according to the second embodiment; - Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Having Figure 1A Top perspective cross-sectional view of the extraction arrangement structure of the capsule; - Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the beverage extraction device according to the present invention; - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Rear perspective view of the beverage extraction device; - Figure 6A yes Figure 4 A separate view of the downstream capsule encapsulation component (bottom part) of the beverage extraction device; - Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A separate view of the downstream capsule encapsulation component of the retaining capsule; - Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a system including a removable beverage extraction device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1A (Top perspective view) Figure 1B (Bottom perspective) and Figure 1C(Top perspective cross-sectional view) illustrates a preferred embodiment of the capsule 10 used for extraction.

[0049] In this invention, the term "capsule" refers to any kind of single-dose container (such as capsules, boxes, portioning packages, or individual packaging) suitable for preparing beverages or other edible products, and is not limited to the shape of the container, especially the shape of the body.

[0050] The capsule 10 includes a capsule body having a bottom wall 11 and a side wall 12 extending axially from the bottom wall 11 toward a top opening. At the top opening, the body includes a circumferential annular flange 12' extending radially outward from the side wall 12 along the circumference of the opening.

[0051] The flange 12' includes a top surface and a bottom surface facing upwards.

[0052] Generally speaking, any transverse cross-section of the main body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0053] The main body defines the chamber 10' for containing beverage ingredients, such as Figure 1C Exemplify clearly.

[0054] The packaged beverage ingredients are preferably those that can be extracted under pressure, like roasted and ground coffee powder. Preferably, the roasted and ground coffee powder is tamped.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The pouch 10 includes a cap 13 that is fixed, sealed, or attached to at least a portion of the top surface of the circumferential flange 12', and thus covers and closes the top opening.

[0057] The bottom wall 11 and the side walls 12 define the main body of the pouch 10, and together with the cap 13, define the pouch sealing wall of the same pouch 10.

[0058] Generally, the bottom wall is adapted to be injected with liquid to introduce the liquid into the capsule, while the cap is adapted to be punctured to allow extraction of the beverage. Conversely, as further described below, in this invention, the cap 13 is adapted to be injected with liquid to introduce the liquid into the capsule 10, and extraction of the beverage is defined by puncturing the bottom wall 11 and / or the side wall 12 of the same capsule 10.

[0059] exist Figures 1A to 1C In this case, the bottom wall 11 is quite curved; however, the bottom wall may have other shapes, such as a conical shape or a truncated conical shape.

[0060] Preferably, the capsule 10 is made of essentially biodegradable or biodegradable material, preferably a household biodegradable material, since the extracted coffee cake can be easily degraded at home.

[0061] In this invention, the term "degradable material" refers to any material that can be broken down into environmentally harmless products by biological processes (such as those of microorganisms, e.g., 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 degradation can occur without any residue. Specifically, at the end of the degradation 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 degradability of materials.

[0062] Preferably, the body and cap of the capsule 10 are made of a multilayer cellulose-based material, which includes a paper layer coated with at least one plastic layer.

[0063] In this invention, the term "multilayer cellulose-based material" refers to a multilayer packaging laminate consisting of a thick layer (or core layer) of paper, cardboard, cardboard, or other cellulose-based material, plus an additional plastic layer, a liquid-tight and heat-sealable layer, or otherwise provided (by deposition, layer-by-layer assembly, extrusion, or co-extrusion methods). Such multilayer cellulose-based materials are intended for use in packaging food products, and containers made from these materials for food products require a certain degree of tightness from the external environment to the interior of the packaging (i.e., tightness to prevent the ingress of substances such as dirt or liquids) and airtightness (specifically, oxygen airtightness for oxygen-sensitive products, i.e., powdered or ground coffee powder), the latter barrier typically provided by the plastic layer.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The plastic layer can be selected from the following list: - Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, - Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, - Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, - Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, - A layer of polymer blends formed from any combination of the above polymers.

[0066] The paper layer can be assembled with several of these different plastic layers.

[0067] The plastic layer reinforces the paper layer's protection against liquids, gases, and moisture in the beverage ingredients.

[0068] Typically, the stretchable portion of this multi-layered paper material is the plastic layer.

[0069] 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.

[0070] This layer can be selected from the following list: - Polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, especially butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer, - Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, - Metallized coating -SiO x Base coating, -AlO x Base coating, - Their combination.

[0071] It has been noted that polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layers, particularly butene glycol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layers, can have variable stretchability.

[0072] Therefore, as described below, the extraction arrangement structure according to the invention is particularly recommended for capsules made of materials comprising at least one layer of this type of copolymer.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Preferably, the inner third layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, particularly a butene glycol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0075] 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 be composed of a polymer blend formed from any combination of these listed polymers.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In this invention, the term "body layer" refers to the thickest layer or the layer containing the most material in a multilayer cellulose-based material, that is, the layer that contributes the most to the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the multilayer cellulose-based material and the corresponding cellulose-based container body formed from the multilayer cellulose-based material.

[0078] In this multilayered cellulose-based material, paper layers are formed, meaning the paper sheet can be given a three-dimensional shape, which is the form of the main body of the capsule 10 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 using the extraction arrangement structure (i.e., the extraction arrangement structure according to the invention).

[0079] Preferably, the paper layer of the capsule may have a basis weight of at least 20 g / m², and preferably at most 150 g / m². The body paper may have a higher basis weight than the capping paper because the body paper needs to be stretched and deformed during manufacturing.

[0080] The basis weight of the main paper can be between 80 g / m2 and 150 g / m2.

[0081] The cap may have a weight ranging from 20 g / m2 to 120 g / m2.

[0082] In multilayer cellulose-based materials, the plastic layer provides additional properties such as air barriers, stretchable or deformable properties, as described in, for example, WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0083] In fact, to shape multi-layered cellulose-based materials into containers for beverages and to form a barrier to protect the beverage ingredients, the paper layers must be thick enough. Furthermore, to create a barrier against atmospheric oxygen, which is particularly sensitive to roasted and ground coffee powder, multi-layered cellulose-based materials often include biodegradable plastic layers. A sealant layer is typically required to hold the different layers together and prevent delamination.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the multilayer cellulose-based plastic layer comprises multiple plastic layers including an inner barrier membrane positioned between two outer polymer films, wherein: -The internal barrier membrane is a butene glycol (BVOH) membrane (third layer). - 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] The capping multilayer cellulose-based material may include at least one additional layer, while the body multilayer cellulose-based material need not include this at least one additional layer. However, the capping and body multilayer cellulose-based materials may also be the same.

[0087] Specifically, the outer surface of the multi-layered cellulose-based material used for sealing may be covered by a protective layer. According to a preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a membrane containing regenerated cellulose. Similar to the paper layer, this protective layer is typically torn apart by the downstream extraction arrangement during the brewing process.

[0088] According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the capsule may include an identical first and second encapsulation wall. This means that each of the first and second encapsulation walls includes a capsule body defining half of a chamber and a circumferential annular body flange, and the circumferential annular body flanges of the capsule bodies are attached together to define a chamber for containing beverage ingredients. The capsule shape is symmetrical with respect to a central axial axis extending from the bottom wall to the cap and with respect to the plane of the attached flange. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the capsule may be defined by a single encapsulation wall that encapsulates the chamber and defines a symmetrical shape according to one or more axes, such as a conical, truncated conical, spherical, or elliptical shape. Therefore, it is preferred that both encapsulation components have the same multilayered cellulose-based material, wherein the outer surface is covered by a protective layer.

[0089] The contents of the capsule are typically extracted by piercing the cap 13 (or the membrane defining the cap) against an extraction arrangement (or an inappropriate "pyramidal plate") designed to expel the beverage. In prior art disclosures, the cap 13 is adapted to open during liquid injection by relative engagement with the extraction arrangement under the influence of increased liquid pressure inside the capsule.

[0090] In the case of capsules made of biodegradable and / or degradable materials, particularly cellulose-based materials, proper extraction is difficult to achieve by piercing the cap with a pyramidal plate due to the high thickness and inherent rigidity of the cellulose-based layers. Furthermore, since cellulose-based materials often also include layers made of degradable polymers, the use of this type of cellulose-based material can affect the proper extraction of beverage ingredients (such as roasted and ground coffee powder) within the extraction chamber. In particular, degradable barrier polymers can possess such stretchable properties that they are difficult to pierce using current downstream planar extraction arrangements. Specifically, the material is stretched by the protruding elements of the pyramidal plate, but due to its stretching properties, the material is not systematically pierced, opened, or torn at each of these protruding elements. Moreover, even if the material is pierced, opened, or torn, due to its stretchable properties, the material tends to tightly surround the protruding elements, effectively covering and closing the orifice configured for beverage discharge.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Furthermore, the formation of cellulose-based capsules requires folds that are tightly sealed, thus necessitating large mechanisms with high-torque motors in beverage extraction devices or corresponding beverage preparation machines.

[0093] In the prior art, different types of downstream planar extraction arrangements have been defined, which include protruding elements designed to pierce the expansion wall and holes for discharging beverages, with the beverages flowing out from the openings formed by the protruding elements.

[0094] Contrary to prior art disclosures, it has been surprisingly discovered that “reverse extraction” can be used to define a better and more appropriate extraction, which means piercing the beverage by piercing the beverage from the bottom wall 11 of the capsule 10, and ultimately from the bottom wall 11 and the side walls 12, rather than piercing the beverage by pressing the cap 13 (or the membrane defining the cap) against the extraction arrangement structure or “pyramidal plate” designed to expel the beverage.

[0095] This is especially true when using capsules made of biodegradable and / or degradable materials, particularly cellulose-based materials. Furthermore, this is especially true when the capsules have a symmetrical shape (i.e., conical, truncated conical, spherical, and elliptical) according to one or more axes.

[0096] Due to the specific shape of the bottom wall 11, reverse extraction cannot be limited by known extraction arrangements, particularly planar extraction arrangements. In this respect, the extraction arrangement according to the invention allows for solving the aforementioned problems and allows for the proper execution of the desired reverse extraction.

[0097] The following description relates to an extraction arrangement 121 according to a first embodiment for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder (e.g., Figures 2A to 2B (as illustrated), and relates to an extraction arrangement structure 131 according to a second embodiment for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder (as shown in the example), and to an extraction arrangement structure 131 for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder. Figures 3A to 3B (As illustrated). Therefore, the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131 can be used advantageously with the aforementioned capsule 10.

[0098] Figure 2A and Figure 3A This is a separate view of the extraction arrangement 121, 131 according to the invention. Each of the extraction arrangements 121, 131 includes at least one extraction surface 123, 133 and a plurality of opening elements 122, 132 that protrude from the extraction surface 123, 133 and face, in use, the encapsulation wall of the capsule 10 to be opened, and the opening elements 122; 132 define an outlet opening (not shown) of the bottom wall 11 (or encapsulation wall) (which is the bottom wall 11 in the embodiment illustrated herein).

[0099] Generally, the opening elements 122, 132 have a shape capable of opening, piercing, cutting, or tearing the sealing wall of the capsule 10. Typically, this shape results in a cross-section that decreases from the bottom to the top. These opening elements 122, 132 may have a pyramidal, stepped pyramidal shape, or preferably a conical or truncated cone shape. The shape may be a combination of a cylindrical or parallelepiped base with a pyramidal or conical top end.

[0100] Regardless of their shape, the opening elements 122, 132 preferably have pointed tips 122', 132'. These pointed tips are sharp enough to pierce or cut the paper layer when the paper material is pressed against the pointed tips 122', 132', particularly when the upstream and downstream encapsulating components move from the open position to the closed position, thus forming an extraction chamber around the capsule. Preferably, the pointed tips 122', 132' have a conical shape.

[0101] The tip tips 122' and 132' extend a certain height from the extraction surfaces 123 and 133. Generally, this height 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 tips 122' and 132' during the expansion of the cap 13 due to the increased pressure inside the capsule 10 when water is injected. Generally, the height can be at least 1.5 mm.

[0102] Furthermore, the surfaces of these opening elements 122, 132 include beverage outlet openings 122'', 132'', which are configured to dispense beverage from the pierced capsule 10 into a drinking cup. The pointed ends 122', 132' facilitate piercing the paper layer during extraction. Specifically, the pointed ends 122', 132' can access the coffee grounds bed held inside the capsule 10, allowing the outlet openings 122'', 132'' to be positioned within the coffee grounds bed during coffee preparation. Figure 2B , Figure 3B The illustrated cross-sectional view of the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131 shows that each of the outlet openings 122'', 132'' mates with a perforation configured to drive beverage from the beverage outlet opening 122'', 132'' through the extraction surfaces 123, 133 or the plate and downstream of the extraction surface or plate. Specifically, each of the outlet openings 122'', 132'' mates with a perforation and also with a tip 122', 132'. Therefore, beverage produced in the capsule 10 can flow through these outlet openings 122'', 132'' of the opening elements 122, 132 and be dispensed from the extraction chamber. In this respect, the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131 according to the invention are also provided with a plurality of perforations to discharge beverage dispensed from the outlet openings of the opened capsule wall.

[0103] According to another embodiment (not shown), these opening elements may only have an outlet opening and therefore no pointed end, or vice versa, these opening elements may only have a pointed end and no outlet opening.

[0104] The tip tips 122', 132' and / or the outlet openings 122'', 132'' are arranged such that the tip tips and / or the outlet openings are located in the central portion of the extraction arrangement 121, 131 at a different position than in the side portion adjacent to the central portion of the extraction arrangement 121, 131.

[0105] The tip ends 122', 132' extend from the extraction surfaces 123, 133 to a predefined height, as described in more detail in the specific description of the embodiments. The outlet openings 122'', 132'' are preferably positioned above a predefined intermediate location between the extraction surfaces 123, 133 and the tip ends 122', 132', and preferably closer to the tip ends 122', 132' of the opening elements 122, 132 rather than closer to the extraction surfaces 123, 133. Therefore, when using stretchable materials, the risk of the outlet openings 122'', 132'' being blocked by the stretchable material is avoided. Thus, the chance of the outlet openings 122'', 132'' being positioned above torn stretchable paper is increased compared to an outlet positioned at the bottom of the opening element. This intermediate location can be defined according to the properties of the material of the capsule designed for use in the extraction device. Specifically, this height must be sufficient to ensure that, during the expansion of the cap caused by the increased pressure 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 extraction surface. When the beverage ingredient is roasted and ground coffee powder, the intermediate position can also be defined such that the beverage outlet is positioned inside the bed of roasted and ground coffee powder enclosed in the capsule.

[0106] Preferably, all opening elements include a beverage outlet.

[0107] Preferably, all beverage outlets have the same shape.

[0108] Furthermore, the outlet openings 122'' and 132'' are preferably defined by slits that extend at least partially within the extraction surfaces 123 and 133 along a plane parallel to the same plane defining the extraction surfaces 123 and 133. Specifically, the slits can be sized to filter particles with a diameter of approximately 0.3 mm. This avoids the risk of a portion of the outlet openings 122'' and 132'' (specifically, the portion closer to the base of the opening elements 122 and 132) being partially closed by the paper layer. Therefore, the entire surface of the outlet openings 122'' and 132'' remains unobstructed for beverage discharge, achieving consistent beverage preparation.

[0109] As illustrated, the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131 are preferably assemblies of upper sub-component elements 121a, 131a and lower sub-component elements 121b, 131b. Specifically, each of the sub-component elements 121a, 121b and 131a, 131b includes a portion of each opening element 122, 132 of the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131. The lower sub-component elements 121a, 131a and the upper sub-component elements 121b, 131b are designed such that the lower sub-component elements 121a, 131a can slide within the receiving holes of the upper sub-component elements 121b, 131b, and when positioned within the receiving holes, they can engage to form the complete extraction arrangement structures 121, 131. 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 a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0110] The construction of the extraction arrangement structure 121, 131 with two sub-component elements makes it possible to design very small exit openings 122'', 132'' inside each opening element 122, 132, which would not be possible by injection molding of a plate made of a single piece of material.

[0111] According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the openable element may have different shapes. Furthermore, the extraction arrangement may have different arrangements or be made into a single component.

[0112] According to the invention, the tip ends 122', 132' and the outlet openings 122'', 132'' are arranged on a non-planar virtual surface that, in use, faces the encapsulation wall (which is the bottom wall 11 in this embodiment), preferably on a curved virtual surface or on a stepped virtual surface, so as to substantially match the non-planar encapsulation wall of the capsule 10 to be opened (and thus substantially match the non-planar bottom wall 11). According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the opening element may be provided with only the tip ends or alternatively with only the outlet opening, thus only the tip ends or the outlet opening are arranged on such a non-planar virtual surface. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the non-planar virtual surface may, in use, face more than one wall (such as the bottom wall and side walls of the capsule) so as to substantially match the non-planar encapsulation wall of the capsule to be opened (and thus substantially match the non-planar bottom wall and side walls).

[0113] In this invention, the term "virtual surface" refers to a surface virtually and ideally defined by a curved or stepped non-planar plane on which all tip ends and / or all outlet openings are located. Thus, the virtual surface can be defined by different heights of opening elements protruding from the planar extraction surface, such that the tip ends and / or outlet openings are arranged on the virtual surface, or by different heights of the outlet openings at the opening elements, or by an extraction surface having a curved or stepped shape and provided with opening elements of the same height, or by a combination of the aforementioned solutions. Therefore, a non-planar virtual surface (such as a curved virtual surface or a stepped virtual surface) can be defined by having a planar extraction surface (with opening elements of different heights), or by an extraction surface (having a non-planar shape), or even by a combination of both solutions.

[0114] The non-planar virtual surfaces (curved virtual surfaces or stepped virtual surfaces) defined by this are concave.

[0115] In this invention, the term "concave" refers to a surface or surfaces that define a concave shape relative to the encapsulation wall (i.e., bottom wall or bottom and side walls) of the capsule to which the surface or surfaces face. In particular, such a surface or surfaces may include one or more portions, wherein at least one portion is concave. In this respect, the encapsulation wall of the capsule is also preferably concave to match the concave shape of the non-planar virtual surface.

[0116] According to another embodiment (not shown), the thus defined non-planar virtual surface (curved virtual surface or stepped virtual surface) may be convex, wherein in this invention, the term "convex" refers to a surface or surfaces that can define a convex shape relative to the encapsulation wall (i.e., bottom wall or bottom wall and side walls) of the capsule to which the surface or surfaces face. In particular, such a surface or surfaces may include one or more portions, wherein at least one portion is convex. In this respect, the encapsulation wall of the capsule is preferably convex to match the same convex shape of the non-planar virtual surface.

[0117] Therefore, when the beverage extraction device is closed around the capsule 10 and the bottom wall 11 (or bottom and side walls) of the capsule's sealing wall is positioned on the extraction arrangement structures 121, 131, the contact surface between the opening elements 122, 132 and the same sealing walls is increased sufficiently to allow the paper layer to extend along the extraction surfaces 123, 133 between the protruding opening elements 122, 132. Specifically, beverage extraction can be accomplished by abutting the sealing walls of the capsule 10's body against the pointed ends 122', 132' and / or the outlet openings 122'', 132'', which are located on such non-planar virtual surfaces, preferably curved virtual surfaces, or stepped virtual surfaces, thus improving contact with the shape of the sealing walls (i.e., the bottom wall 11). Furthermore, since the force required to pierce the body of the capsule 10 is small, wrinkles formed on the body do not affect extraction.

[0118] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 2A to 2B A first embodiment illustrates an extraction arrangement structure 121 defined by a non-planar virtual surface, particularly an extraction arrangement structure defined by a curved virtual surface defined by the arrangement of a tip 122' and an outlet opening 122''. The curved virtual surface is preferably defined by a cap-shaped surface, which is defined by the arrangement of the tip 122' and the outlet opening 122'' in the region defined by the cap-shaped surface, such as... Figures 2A to 2B The first embodiment is shown. The radius of the sphere defines this geometry as greater than R50, preferably in the range of R50 to R70, more preferably in the range of R55 to R65, and even more preferably equal to R60. However, different curved shapes, such as hemispherical shapes, can be used. Furthermore, according to another embodiment not shown, the virtual surface may be defined only by a specific arrangement of the tip end, or conversely, only by a specific arrangement of the outlet opening.

[0119] In this invention, the term "spherical cap surface" (or "spherical dome") refers to a sphere or a portion of a sphere cut off by a plane. It is also a spherical segment with a base, that is, a spherical segment defined by a single plane. If the plane passes through the center of the sphere (thus forming a great circle) such that the height of the cap is equal to the radius of the sphere, then the spherical cap surface is called a hemispherical surface.

[0120] Preferably, the extraction surface 123 has the same shape as the non-planar virtual surface, and therefore has a curved virtual surface. Thus, preferably, the opening elements 122 protruding from at least one extraction surface 123 may have the same height to define corresponding curved virtual surfaces for the tip end 122' and the outlet opening 122''.

[0121] In this regard, in the first embodiment, the extraction surface 123 is defined by an extraction plate having a curved shape, preferably a concave curved shape. Furthermore, the opening elements 122 protruding from the extraction surface 123 of the extraction plate preferably have the same height. As illustrated, the extraction surface 123 is defined by an extraction plate having a spherical shape, wherein the radius of the sphere is greater than R50, preferably in the range of R50 to R70, more preferably in the range of R55 to R65, and even more preferably equal to R60. However, different concave curved shapes, such as hemispherical shapes, can be used.

[0122] In the same embodiment, the tip 122' and the outlet opening 122'' are arranged such that the tip and the outlet opening are positioned lower (or horizontal) in the central portion of the extraction arrangement 121 and higher (or horizontal) in the lateral portions of the extraction arrangement 121 adjacent to the central portion. This allows it to conform to the shape of the body of the capsule 10, such as a curved, conical, or truncated conical shape with a bottom wall 11. In particular, the tip 122' and the outlet opening 122'' have the same height, and the corresponding non-planar virtual surface also has the same radius as the aforementioned extraction surface 123.

[0123] The lowest piercing portion is arranged at the center of the piercing arrangement structure 121, and the higher piercing portions are arranged on the side portions of the piercing arrangement structure 121, and subsequently on the side of the lowest piercing portion. Preferably, as Figures 2A to 2B As shown, the higher puncture portion and the lower puncture portion are arranged concentrically.

[0124] However, different arrangements of the tip and / or outlet opening falling into the same inventive concept may be provided, such as defining a curved virtual surface or a non-planar virtual surface by different heights of the opening element.

[0125] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 3A to 3B A second embodiment illustrates an extraction arrangement 131 defined by a non-planar virtual surface, particularly an extraction arrangement defined by a stepped virtual surface defined by the arrangement of a tip 132' and an outlet opening 132''. The stepped virtual surface is preferably defined by a plurality of planar layers (or portions) (particularly at least two planar portions) arranged at different positions (or horizontally), the plurality of planar layers (or portions) being at least a lower planar portion and a higher planar portion, the stepped virtual surface being defined by the arrangement of the tip 132' and the outlet opening 132'' in the area defined by the plurality of planar layers arranged at different positions (or horizontally). The distance between these layers is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0126] Furthermore, according to another embodiment not shown, the virtual surface may be defined only by a specific arrangement of the tip end, or conversely, only by a specific arrangement of the outlet opening.

[0127] Preferably, the extraction surface 133 has the same shape as the stepped virtual surface. Therefore, preferably, the opening elements 132 protruding from at least one extraction surface 133 may have the same height to define corresponding stepped virtual surfaces for the tip 132' and / or the outlet opening 132''.

[0128] In this regard, in the second embodiment, the extraction surface 133 is defined by an extraction plate having a stepped shape, preferably a concave stepped shape. The extraction plate preferably has at least two planar extraction portions (a lower planar extraction portion and at least one higher planar extraction portion) arranged at different locations. Furthermore, the opening elements 132 protruding from the extraction surface 133 of the extraction plate preferably have the same height. As illustrated, the extraction surface 133 is defined by an extraction plate having a stepped shape. Each layer (or portion) of the layer (or portion) defined by the stepped shape is arranged at different locations (or horizontally). The distance between these layers is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. In particular, Figures 3A to 3B The illustrated second embodiment shows five layers or portions arranged at different locations. Preferably, the first layer (or portion) is located at the lowest point in the center, serving as a reference zero plane. The second layer (or portion) is arranged at a distance preferably 0.2 mm from the reference zero plane defined by the first layer. The third layer (or portion) is arranged at a distance preferably 0.4 mm from the reference zero plane defined by the first layer, and the reference zero plane is therefore located at a distance of 0.2 mm from the second layer. The fourth layer (or portion) is arranged at a distance preferably 0.8 mm from the reference zero plane defined by the first layer, and the reference zero plane is therefore located at a distance of 0.4 mm from the third layer and at a distance of 0.2 mm from the second layer. Finally, the fifth layer (or portion) is arranged at a distance preferably 10 mm from the reference zero plane defined by the first layer, and the reference zero plane is therefore located at a distance of 0.4 mm from the fourth layer, 0.4 mm from the third layer, and 0.2 mm from the second layer. However, different values ​​can be used.

[0129] In the same embodiment, the tip 132' and the outlet opening 132'' are arranged such that the tip and the outlet opening are positioned lower (or horizontal) in the central portion of the extraction arrangement 131 and higher (or horizontal) in the lateral portions of the extraction arrangement 131 adjacent to the central portion, with the opening element 131 having the same height across all of them. This allows the shape of the body of the capsule 10 to conform, such as a curved, conical, or truncated conical shape with a bottom wall 11. In particular, the tip 132' and the outlet opening 132'' have the same height, and the corresponding non-planar virtual surface also has the same radius as the aforementioned extraction surface 133.

[0130] The lowest piercing portion is arranged at the center of the piercing arrangement structure 131, and the higher piercing portions are arranged on the side portions of the piercing arrangement structure 131, and subsequently on the side of the lowest piercing portion. Preferably, as Figures 3A to 3B As shown, the higher puncture portion and the lower puncture portion are arranged concentrically.

[0131] However, different arrangements of the tip and / or outlet opening falling into the same inventive concept may be provided, such as defining a stepped virtual surface or a non-planar virtual surface by different heights of the opening element.

[0132] However, different stepped arrangements (not shown) (such as at least two separate extraction plates arranged at different locations (or levels)) can be used, for example, to define a lower extraction plate (or portion) and at least one higher extraction plate (or portion). In a later embodiment, when the extraction plates include more than one higher piercing plate (or portion), these piercing plates (or portions) can be arranged such that they define multiple steps in a concave stepped shape, as already described for a stepped virtual surface.

[0133] Therefore, when a stepped virtual surface includes more than one higher plane portion, these higher plane portions can be arranged such that they define multiple steps in the stepped virtual surface.

[0134] In one embodiment, one or more extraction surfaces have the same shape as the curved virtual surface or stepped virtual surface. Therefore, preferably, the opening elements protruding from at least one extraction surface may have the same height to define corresponding curved virtual surfaces or stepped virtual surfaces for the tip tip and / or outlet opening.

[0135] The present invention also relates to a beverage extraction device 100 for extracting a beverage from a capsule 10 containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0136] Beverage extraction device 100 is typically included in a beverage preparation machine, as described in more detail below, which is configured to receive 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. In particular, 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 powder, 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 powder.

[0137] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are front and rear perspective views of a beverage extraction device 100 according to the present invention. The beverage extraction device includes a first capsule encapsulation member 110 defining an upstream or top capsule encapsulation member and a second capsule encapsulation member 120 defining a downstream or bottom capsule encapsulation member. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The individual view is illustrated.

[0138] The first pouch sealing component 110 and the second pouch sealing component 120 are capable of being in an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pouch 10 (as described above). Figures 6A to 6B (as illustrated) can move relative to the closed position, and is capable of moving between the closed position and the open position for inserting and / or ejecting the capsule 10 (as described above) Figures 6A to 6B The capsules (as illustrated) can move relative to each other. In the latter position, the capsule encapsulation components 110 and 120 can form an extraction chamber that can encapsulate the capsule 10 during extraction.

[0139] The upstream encapsulation component 110 and the downstream encapsulation component 120 are rotatable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis Z to define relative movement. Typically, this longitudinal axis Z is substantially horizontal, but other options may define the same relative movement, such as translation of at least one of the components relative to the other component.

[0140] The first capsule sealing component 110 carries a puncture arrangement structure or an upstream puncture arrangement structure (not shown) and a liquid injector 111. The puncture arrangement structure or upstream puncture arrangement structure is used to open the first sealing wall of the capsule 10. The liquid injector is fluidly connected to the puncture arrangement structure to guide liquid to the puncture arrangement structure. In this embodiment, the first sealing wall of the capsule 10 is defined by a cap 13, such as... Figures 6A to 6BAs illustrated, a puncture arrangement is disposed in the inner surface of the first pouch encapsulation member 110, which is the surface facing the pouch 10 in use. The upstream puncture arrangement may include a puncture device in the form of a blade. These blades may be designed and positioned such that when the upstream and downstream pouch encapsulation members are positioned as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first cap (cap 13) of the capsule 10 is punctured when it is in the closed position. A liquid injector 111 extends from the outer surface of the same first capsule capping member 110 to the aforementioned inner surface to allow for the guidance of the injected liquid. The liquid injector 111 (such as a nozzle at the upstream capsule capping member) can introduce extractable liquid into the holder and through the pre-punctured opening. Thus, the puncture arrangement defines a nozzle, which is an element of the brewing chamber from which liquid (typically water) is injected or guided toward (and into) the capsule 10.

[0141] The second capsule sealing component 120 includes an extraction arrangement for opening the second capsule seal of the capsule 10 and extracting the beverage from the same capsule 10. Therefore, the extraction arrangement is an embodiment of an extraction arrangement according to the extraction arrangement described above, such as extraction arrangement 121 according to the first embodiment or extraction arrangement 131 according to the second embodiment, or a combination thereof.

[0142] When the first capsule sealing component 110 and the second capsule sealing component 120 are moved to the open position, the extraction cavity 130 for the capsule 10 can be accessed, such as Figure 6A As shown, the second capsule encapsulation component 120 is visible in the receiving position for receiving and holding the capsule 10 (the first capsule encapsulation component 110 is removed for clarity). The capsule 10 is then introduced into the extraction chamber 130, as shown in... Figure 6B In this configuration, the cap 13 faces the first pouch sealing member 110, and the bottom wall 11 faces the extraction arrangement. As already described, the shape of the extraction arrangement allows it to perfectly match the shape of the bottom wall 11 (and ultimately the side walls 12) to define correct extraction from the pouch 10. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, the upstream (first) capsule encapsulation component 110 and the downstream (second) capsule encapsulation component 120 are positioned in a closed position to close the extraction chamber 130, and an extraction chamber encapsulating the capsule 10 is formed during extraction.

[0143] The extraction arrangement according to the invention includes a plurality of opening elements for opening the bottom wall 11 of the capsule 10 (and ultimately also the side walls 12) when the extractable liquid is introduced into the capsule 10 through the puncture arrangement of the first capsule sealing member 110. The puncture arrangement (preferably circular, similar to the cap 13 to be opened of the capsule 10) causes the cap 13 to expand, and consequently the entire capsule 10 and the bottom wall 11 to expand together. Under the pressure increase of the injected liquid in the capsule chamber 10', the opening elements engage with the bottom wall 11, thereby achieving opening.

[0144] After extraction, the capsule 10 may fall by gravity (by reversing the beverage extraction device 100) or by the action of a jet that can separate it from the two encapsulation components 110, 120, for example, when one of these components moves away from the other.

[0145] According to another embodiment (not shown), the piercing arrangement structure of the beverage extraction device can also be defined by another extraction arrangement structure, thus defining a beverage extraction device having two opposing extraction arrangement structures, with one extraction device in each of the corresponding first capsule sealing member and second capsule sealing member. Therefore, this other extraction arrangement structure (i.e., the extraction arrangement structure located in the first capsule sealing member) can also be an extraction arrangement structure of one embodiment of the extraction arrangement structure described above, such as extraction arrangement structure 121 according to the first embodiment or extraction arrangement structure 131 according to the second embodiment, or a combination thereof. In this case, extraction from capsules with symmetrical shapes can be appropriately defined.

[0146] On the other hand, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a beverage preparation machine 1', which is used to extract a beverage from a capsule 10 containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0147] According to one implementation plan Figure 7 An example is illustrated of a beverage preparation machine 1' for extracting beverages according to the present invention, which is a component of a more complex system.

[0148] The beverage extraction machine 1' includes a removable capsule holder configured to receive and hold a capsule 10 and a capsule holder receiving area 101 for receiving the removable capsule holder. Specifically, the removable capsule holder is preferably defined by a beverage extraction device 100 according to one embodiment or a combination thereof described above. Thus, the beverage extraction device 100 is provided with a first capsule sealing member 110 and a second capsule sealing member 120, as already detailed.

[0149] According to another embodiment (not shown), the removable capsule retainer may be defined solely by the second capsule sealing component. In this case, a puncture arrangement may already be provided in the machine for extracting the beverage to match the second capsule sealing wall of the capsule to be introduced into the same machine.

[0150] According to another embodiment (not shown), the machine for extracting beverages includes a beverage extraction device according to one or a combination of the embodiments described above. In particular, the beverage extraction device is positioned non-removably within the beverage preparation machine, thus defining a non-removable brewing chamber inside the machine.

[0151] Figure 7 A perspective view of system 1 according to the invention is shown. According to the details provided above, system 1 includes a beverage preparation machine 1' and a capsule 10 containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder. The capsule 10 includes a first and a second sealing wall, which in this invention are a cap 13 and a bottom wall 11 (or a bottom wall and a side wall), respectively. The first and second sealing walls 13 and 11 define a chamber 10' for encapsulating the beverage ingredients. Specifically, the first and second sealing walls 13 and 11 of the capsule 10 are made of a multilayer cellulose-based material comprising at least one paper layer assembled with at least one plastic layer, preferably a biodegradable plastic layer, which is stretchable.

[0152] System 1 is configured to extract a coffee beverage from a capsule 10 containing roasted and ground coffee powder. In the process of preparing the coffee beverage from System 1, at least the following steps occur.

[0153] In the preparatory step, the capsule 10 is inserted between the upstream capsule sealing member 110 and the downstream capsule sealing member 120, positioned in their open positions. This operation can be performed manually by the user or automatically by the motor of the beverage machine 1'. Typically, the capsule 10 is received in a capsule holder (or beverage dispensing device 100) that holds the capsule between the two capsule sealing members 110, 120, which are held apart from each other in their open positions.

[0154] Then, in the first step, the upstream encapsulation component 110 and / or the downstream encapsulation component 120 move relative to each other to their closed positions to form an extraction chamber for the encapsulated capsule 10 for the impending extraction. At this step, the outer surfaces of the first wall 13 and the second wall 11 of the capsule 10 contact the surfaces of the upstream puncture arrangement (or extraction arrangement) and the downstream extraction arrangement, respectively. Typically, the upstream puncture arrangement (such as a blade or hollow needle) punctures the first encapsulation wall (which is the cap 13) of the capsule 10, unless the upstream puncture arrangement is retractable and movable in another step.

[0155] Then, in the second step, extraction water is injected by the liquid injector 111 through a hole pierced inside the cap 13 of the capsule 10 by the upstream piercing arrangement structure. As the water is injected, it fills the chamber 10' of the capsule 10. The pressure increases until the second wall, which is the bottom wall 11 of the capsule 10 (or a combination of the bottom wall 11 and the side walls 12), opens. Opening occurs when the pressure causes the second wall to expand to the point that its engagement with the downstream extraction arrangement structure tears or pierces the second wall. Once tearing occurs, coffee extracted from the roasted and ground coffee powder by pressurizing the water flows and is dispensed from the machine 1'.

[0156] Based on recent developments in pyramidal plates (or extraction arrangements), puncture of the capsule 10 can be performed via a top membrane (cap 13), and extraction can be accomplished by abutting the main body of the capsule 10 (bottom wall 11 and / or side walls 13) against the pyramidal plate (or extraction arrangement). The force required to seal the flat top membrane is minimal, which not only reduces the size and force required to seal the capsule 10 but also significantly simplifies the entire beverage extraction apparatus.

[0157] 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 illustrated embodiments.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.”

[0160] Index list in the attached figure : 1 System 1' Beverage preparation machine 101 Capsule Reception Area 10 sacs 10' chamber 11 bottom wall 12 Lateral walls 12' flange 13. Capping 100 Beverage Extraction Device 110 First encapsulation component 111 Liquid Injector 120 Second bag sealing component 130 Extraction Chamber 121; 131 Extract layout structure 121a; 131a Upper sub-component elements 121b; 131b Lower sub-component elements 122; 132 Open component 122'; 132' Tip end 122''; 132'' Exit opening 123; 133 Extraction surface Z longitudinal axis

Claims

1. Extraction arrangement (121; 131) for extracting a beverage from a capsule (10) containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder, the extraction arrangement (121; 131) comprising: A plurality of opening elements (122; 132) protrude from at least one extraction surface (123; 133) facing the non-planar encapsulation wall (11) of the capsule (10) to be opened in use, and the opening elements (122; 132) define an outlet opening of the encapsulation wall (11); and multiple perforations for discharging the beverage dispensed from the outlet opening of the opened package wall (11), Each of the opening elements (122; 132) has an outlet opening (122''; 132'') that mates with the perforation and / or the tip (122'; 132'). The pointed end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122''; 132'') are arranged on a non-planar virtual surface, which in use faces the encapsulation wall (11) so as to substantially match the non-planar encapsulation wall (11) of the capsule (10) to be opened, and The tip end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122''; 132'') are arranged such that the tip end and / or the outlet opening are located in the central portion of the extraction arrangement (121; 131) at a different position than in the side portion of the extraction arrangement (121; 131) adjacent to the central portion.

2. The extraction arrangement structure (121; 131) according to claim 1, wherein the virtual surface is a curved virtual surface or a stepped virtual surface.

3. The extraction arrangement structure (121; 131) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the virtual surface is concave.

4. The extraction arrangement (121; 131) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122''; 132'') are arranged such that the tip end and / or the outlet opening are located in a lower position in the central portion of the extraction arrangement (121; 131) and in a higher position in the side portion of the extraction arrangement (121; 131) adjacent to the central portion.

5. The extraction arrangement (121; 131) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening elements (122; 132) have different heights such that the tip end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122''; 132'') are arranged to be located on the virtual surface.

6. The extraction arrangement (121; 131) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the extraction surface (123; 133) has a non-planar shape, preferably a curved shape or a stepped shape, such that the tip end (122'; 132') and / or the outlet opening (122''; 132'') are arranged on the virtual surface, preferably on the curved virtual surface or on the stepped virtual surface.

7. The extraction arrangement structure (121; 131) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the extraction surface (123; 133) has the same shape as the virtual surface.

8. The extraction arrangement structure (121) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the curved virtual surface is defined by a spherical or hemispherical surface.

9. The extraction arrangement structure (131) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stepped virtual surface is defined by at least two planar portions arranged at different locations, namely a lower planar portion and at least one higher planar portion.

10. The extraction arrangement structure (121) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the extraction surface (123) is defined by an extraction plate having a curved shape, preferably a concave curved shape.

11. The extraction arrangement structure (121) according to claim 10, wherein the extraction surface (123) is defined by an extraction plate having a spherical or hemispherical shape.

12. The extraction arrangement structure (131) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the extraction surface (133) is defined by an extraction plate having a stepped shape, preferably a concave stepped shape, the extraction plate being provided with at least two planar extraction portions arranged at different positions, namely a lower planar extraction portion and at least one higher planar extraction portion.

13. The extraction arrangement structure (131) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the extraction surface (133) is defined by at least two extraction plates, namely a lower extraction plate and at least one higher extraction plate, arranged at different locations, so as to define the extraction surface (133) as a stepped shape, preferably a concave stepped shape.

14. A beverage extraction device (100) for extracting a beverage, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder, from a sac (10) containing beverage ingredients, the beverage extraction device (100) comprising a first sac sealing member and a second sac sealing member (110, 120), the first sac sealing member and the second sac sealing member being movable relative to each other between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the sac (10) and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber, and being movable relative to each other between the closed position for forming the extraction chamber and the open position for inserting and / or ejecting the sac (10), the extraction chamber being capable of sealing the sac (10) during extraction. The first capsule encapsulation component (110) includes a puncture arrangement structure and a liquid injector (111). The puncture arrangement structure is used to open the first encapsulation wall (13) of the capsule (10), and the liquid injector is fluidly connected to the puncture arrangement structure to guide liquid into the puncture arrangement structure. The second capsule sealing component (120) includes an extraction arrangement structure (121; 131) for opening the second sealing wall (11) of the capsule (10) and extracting the beverage from the capsule (10). The extraction arrangement structure (121; 131) is the extraction arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The beverage extraction apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the piercing arrangement is another extraction arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A beverage preparation machine (1'), said beverage preparation machine comprising a beverage extraction device (100) according to claim 14 or 15. The beverage extraction device is positioned in the beverage preparation machine in a non-removable manner, or At least the second capsule encapsulation component of the beverage extraction device is removably positioned within the beverage preparation machine, or The beverage preparation machine (1') mentioned above includes: - A removable capsule retainer, the removable capsule retainer being configured to receive and retain the capsule (10), and -Cavity retainer receiving area (101), the cavity retainer receiving area being used to receive the removable cavity retainer, and The removable capsule retainer includes at least the second capsule encapsulation component (120) of the beverage extraction device (100), and preferably includes the first capsule encapsulation component (110) of the beverage extraction device (100).

17. A system (1), the system comprising a beverage preparation machine (1') and a capsule (10) containing beverage ingredients, preferably roasted and ground coffee powder, The beverage preparation machine (1') described therein is the beverage preparation machine according to claim 16. The capsule (10) includes a first sealing wall and a second sealing wall (13, 11), the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall (13, 11) defining a chamber (10') for encapsulating the beverage ingredients, and The first and second packing walls (13, 11) of the sac (10) are made of a multilayer cellulose-based material comprising at least one paper layer assembled with at least one plastic layer, preferably a biodegradable plastic layer, which is stretchable.

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