Beverage pod system having a pod ejector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extracting liquid, such as heated water, into a pod, the device comprising an upstream pod enclosing part 2 and a downstream pod enclosing part 1 which are relatively translatable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod 3 and a closed position forming an extraction chamber 5 surrounding the pod during extraction, an insert 4 for inserting the pod into the device, the insert 4 being designed to position the pod with its lid facing a downstream perforation device 12, and a pod holder 11 attached to a peripheral area 13 of the downstream part, wherein a central portion 131 of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosing part, the downstream planar perforation device and a cage 21 of the upstream enclosing part form the extraction chamber, the edge 211 of the open end of the cage defined by the upstream enclosing part facing / leaning against the central portion of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosing part, the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosing part being pivotable in the upstream direction about a lower transverse axis YY'.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage preparation using a system including a single-serving container containing a beverage ingredient and a machine having a brewing chamber into which the container can be inserted, brewed and ejected. [Background technology]

[0002] Single serving containers for the automated preparation of beverages include various types of containers that may be relatively soft or flexible, such as pods, and may be made from any material, recyclable or non-recyclable, biodegradable or non-biodegradable, such as aluminum, plastic, filter paper, etc.

[0003] One problem faced by systems for extracting beverages from the above pods is the handling of the pods within the extraction device, specifically closing the chamber around the pod to carry out the extraction process and then properly ejecting the pod from the chamber. The pod typically needs to be placed into a housing by the user and then the device is closed around the pod, either manually or automatically.

[0004] It is important to position the pod correctly so that the device closes properly around the pod and forms a good seal to ensure good brewing conditions. Poor positioning can damage the pod and thus affect brewing conditions. Loading also needs to be as quick as possible and not require excessive manipulation.

[0005] Finally, at the end of the beverage preparation, the pod should be easily ejected without risk of misorientation and blocking the machine.

[0006] EP 1859714 and WO 2013 / 026844 describe beverage preparation systems and means for handling soft or flexible pods inside the brewing device. These pods include: The pod is made of aluminum or plastic material; the pod has a shape that is symmetrical about a plane that includes the flange of the pod; The pods have the specific feature that they always have the same shape, size and volume, and the brewing chamber is designed to accept this single type of pod shape.

[0007] WO 2020 / 089404 is the pod has an asymmetric shape with respect to a plane containing the flange of the pod; Another system for extracting beverages from soft or flexible pods is described, which has another feature that a variety of different pods having a variety of different shapes and volumes can be used, and the extraction chamber is designed to accept these different pods.

[0008] The brewing device comprises a brewing chamber configured to adapt its size to the shape and volume of the pod to be introduced therein.

[0009] The use of asymmetrical shapes and different sized pods makes it impossible to use the extraction devices of the above mentioned systems which were designed for a single sized symmetrical pod.

[0010] In addition, environmental considerations nowadays call for the use of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, in particular pods made essentially of paper. These new materials bring certain properties and, as a result, give rise to certain problems during the preparation of the beverage and during the handling of the pods in the extraction device.

[0011] In particular, due to the paper nature of the pods, their properties may be very different between the moment they are inserted inside the brewing device and the moment they are expelled from the brewing device after liquid has been introduced inside the cage: a dry pod does not have the same mechanical properties as a wet pod.

[0012] This material is rigid when dry, but becomes extremely soft when wet. As a result, handling the pods before infusing them with liquid is different to how the pods are handled after infusing them with liquid. Specifically, the material, once wet, becomes much more difficult to handle as it becomes very soft, making it difficult to push the material out of the brewing device. Some parts of the pod become more fragile, increasing the risk of the pod tearing or opening, and soiling the internal parts of the machine.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to address at least the above-mentioned existing problems. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for extracting a beverage ingredient by supplying an extracting liquid, such as heated water, into a pod, comprising: The above pod, A pod body, the pod body comprising: a sidewall and a lower wall defining a chamber, the chamber extending axially between a bottom and an upper end of the sidewall, the upper end defining an upper opening; a peripheral annular flange projecting radially outwardly from an upper end of the side wall, the peripheral annular flange having an upper surface opposite the chamber with respect to the opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; a planar top lid attached to an upper surface of the peripheral flange and closing an upper opening of the pod body; The device is an upstream pod surrounding portion and a downstream pod surrounding portion relatively translatable along a longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod during brewing, the upstream portion defining a cage for surrounding the pod body; an upstream drilling device for opening the lower wall of the pod body; a liquid injector; and The downstream portion defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising: a fixed downstream planar piercing device for opening the pod lid; a peripheral area surrounding the fixed downstream surface drilling device; and an insert for inserting the pod into the device, the insert designed to position the pod with a planar top lid facing a downstream perforation device; In the closed position, a central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion, the downstream planar perforating device, and the cage of the upstream surrounding portion form a brewing chamber; an edge of the open end of the cage defined by the upstream enclosure portion faces and contacts a central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosure portion; The peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion can pivot about an axis (YY'), which intersects the longitudinal axis (XX') and is located at the bottom of the upstream surrounding portion, and the peripheral region can pivot in the direction of the upstream surrounding portion.

[0015] The present invention relates to a device for extracting beverage ingredients typically included in beverage preparation machines arranged to receive pods. For example, the machine is a coffee, tea, chocolate or soup preparation machine, preferably a coffee machine. In particular, the machine is configured to prepare a beverage in a brewing chamber by passing water, preferably boiling water or another liquid, through a pod containing the ingredients of the beverage to be prepared, such as roasted and ground coffee, or tea leaves, or instant coffee, or instant tea, or chocolate, or cocoa, or milk powder, or dried soup. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is roasted and ground coffee.

[0016] The device is configured to brew beverage ingredients contained in the pod by supplying a brewing liquid, such as water, into the pod, and comprises upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod during brewing of the beverage ingredients.

[0017] Typically, the pod may be inserted into the device from above under the influence of gravity. Ejection or removal of the pod upon reopening of the enclosure may also be gravity driven.

[0018] The upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion are relatively translatable along the longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber that surrounds the pod during extraction.

[0019] The upstream portion defines an empty cage or cavity for surrounding the pod body and comprises an upstream piercing device in the form of one or more piercers for piercing the lower wall of the inserted pod, and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the perforated lower wall of the pod.

[0020] The upstream perforation device may comprise perforators in the form of blades that may be designed and arranged to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts are in the closed position. A liquid injector such as a shower in the upstream part of the cage may introduce brewing liquid through the pre-perforated openings.

[0021] In an alternative form, the upstream piercing device may comprise at least one hollow needle configured to pierce the bottom wall of the pod body, and the hollow needle may comprise an internal axial channel for guiding the brewing liquid into the chamber of the pod body.

[0022] The downstream part defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis. This plate therefore extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate of the downstream part comprises a downstream plane piercing device for opening the lid of the pod when the brewing liquid is introduced into the interior of the pod. This downstream plane piercing device is fixed, i.e. not mobile. Typically, this downstream plane piercing device is designed to open the lid by relative engagement with the lid under the effect of the pressure rise of the poured liquid in the pod body chamber and the expansion of the lid pressing against the piercing device. This downstream plane piercing device may comprise a rigid plate equipped on its surface directed towards the lid with an opening element such as a spike, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with a truncated end. In addition, the plate comprises a transverse hole for ejecting the brewed beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and delivers it to a drinking cup.

[0023] In addition, the downstream portion of the plate includes a peripheral region that extends around the entire periphery of the downstream planar piercing device, except during pod ejection, as described below, so that, except during pod ejection, this peripheral region extends in the same plane as the downstream planar piercing device. In general, the peripheral region is essentially planar in order to interact with the planar top lid of the pod.

[0024] The device includes an insert for inserting a pod into the device. Typically, the insert is positioned above the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion such that the pod is inserted between the two portions by gravity. The insert is designed such that the user is encouraged to position the pod so that the pod's lid faces the downstream perforation device.

[0025] Preferably, the insert may comprise a recognition device for recognizing or identifying a pod introduced inside the extraction device. a pod temporary blocking means for blocking the progress of the pod at the temporary recognition position; A device for recognizing a pod whose progress has been blocked at this temporary recognition position may be provided.

[0026] The recognition device is configured such that, when a pod is recognized, the pod temporary blocking means allows the pod to drop into a pod holder of the extraction device.

[0027] In the closed position of the downstream and upstream enclosure parts, a central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosure part, the downstream planar perforating device and the cage of the upstream enclosure part form a brewing chamber.

[0028] Thus, when a pod is present, the pod body is surrounded by the cage of the upstream portion, and the pod lid extends along both the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosing portion and the downstream planar piercing device.

[0029] The cage of the upstream enclosure portion and the central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosure portion are designed such that the periphery of the open end of the cage faces the central portion of the peripheral region, so that when a pod is enclosed within the two enclosure portions arranged in the closed position, the central portion of the peripheral region faces and supports the periphery of the upper edge of the side wall of the pod body, so that this central portion of the peripheral region supports a portion of the pod that is more rigid than the flange of the pod, especially when aqueous liquid is introduced into the pod and the pod material becomes wet and soft.

[0030] In addition, the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion is capable of pivoting in the upstream direction about the lower lateral axis (YY').

[0031] Thus, during the pod ejection operation in which the upstream surrounding portion is moved away from the downstream surrounding portion, the peripheral area of ​​the downstream surrounding portion can be pivoted about this lower lateral axis (YY') and can push the pod away from the fixed downstream perforation device, which aids in the ejection of the pod from the extraction device.

[0032] This pivoting movement occurs when the two enclosing parts are moved to the open position at the end of the beverage preparation extraction.

[0033] During this pivoting movement, the pivoting central area of ​​the peripheral area presses against the periphery of the upper edge of the side wall of the pod body. Even if the wet pod becomes soft, pressing on this part of the pod, rather than the flange of the pod, which is thin compared to the side wall of the pod taken along the pod's axis, provides better support for pressing the entire pod and ensures that the peripheral area does not tear the lid in the area of ​​the flange only by virtue of not pulling in the pod (the flange is generally soft and flexible) or by virtue of only pivoting in and pulling in the flange, leaving the central part of the lid attached to the downstream piercing device, as the wet soft material of the pod often adheres to the downstream piercing device, specifically to its spikes. Pressing on the annular area of ​​the lid facing the side wall reduces the risk of the pod being torn open in this area and ensures ejection.

[0034] Typically, the downstream planar drilling device is circular, with a central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion forming an annular region.

[0035] Preferably, the upstream pod enclosing portion comprises pulling means configured to engage an upper portion of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosing portion when the upstream pod enclosing portion is moved from a closed position to an open position for ejecting the pod.

[0036] Thus, ejection of the pod is automatically facilitated by the movement of the upstream surrounding portion.

[0037] Typically, the device comprises a pod holder attached to the peripheral region of the downstream portion. While attached, i.e. supported by the peripheral region, the pod holder a first receiving position for receiving and holding a pod lid in front of the downstream planar drilling device; and a second, retracted position at the side of the downstream planar drilling device.

[0038] Typically, in the receiving position of the pod holder, these elements secure the pod vertically or at a slight inclination to the vertical and position the pod in front of the downstream planar drilling device.

[0039] Each of these mated elements of the pod holder may include a lower support surface and a lateral arcuate ridge.

[0040] Such a pair of elements, in their receiving position, are configured as follows.

[0041] The lower support surfaces of these elements vertically secure the pod when it is dropped by gravity from the insert between the two enclosing portions into the interior of the device, and are positioned such that the pod's lid is aligned with the downstream piercing device.

[0042] The lateral arcuate ridges fix the pods longitudinally so that the lids of the pods remain essentially parallel or slightly inclined away from the downstream plane drilling device. Preferably, these ridges extend in a transverse plane slightly inclined with respect to the plane of the downstream plane drilling device, with the lower part of the element being closer to the downstream part than the upper part. This inclination provides a larger headroom for the insertion of the pod from the insert to the pod holder, limiting the risk of the pods going wrong. Due to the fact that the pods have an asymmetric shape with respect to the plane of the lid, the pods cannot be in an equilibrium position when the lids of the pods are oriented vertically, and even less so when the pods are at their maximum height, since their center of gravity is in the center of the pod body.

[0043] This inclination provides the additional advantage of limiting the movement of the pod within the pair of elements when the pod is moved from the receiving position to the retracted position, because the path of movement of the portion of the pod that is on the lower support surface during said movement is kept very short.

[0044] The lateral arcuate ridges may extend in a transverse plane inclined at several degrees relative to the plane of the planar drilling device.

[0045] Generally, the elements of the pair have a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical plane containing a longitudinal axis XX' running through the centre of the downstream drilling device.

[0046] This pair of fixing and positioning elements can be configured to be movable between two positions depending on the operating state of the extraction device:

[0047] With a new pod inserted, the pair of fixing and positioning elements are in a receiving position for receiving and holding the pod. The pair of elements fix the pod in front of the downstream planar drilling device. The pair of elements extend in front of the downstream portion, specifically in front of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream portion. The pair of lateral arcuate ridges are preferably inclined with respect to the plane of the downstream planar drilling device.

[0048] In the situation of extraction of the pod (ie introduction of liquid into the pod), the pair of elements are in a retracted position at the side of the downstream planar perforation device.

[0049] Additionally, the pair of fixing and positioning elements can be pushed from the receiving position to the retracted position by the upstream enveloping portion when said upstream enveloping portion is translated longitudinally from the open position to the closed position.

[0050] As a result, depending on the operating process performed in the extraction device, the pair of fixing and positioning elements can interact with the pod by fixing the pod, or can stop interacting with the pod, which can freely interact with the cage or be ejected.

[0051] Preferably, the pod holder can be locked to the peripheral area of ​​the downstream surrounding portion and can remain locked until the pod ejection operation is completed, preferably until a new pod has been introduced into the insert.

[0052] By locking the pod holder to the peripheral region while the pod ejection operation is completed, there is no risk of the pair of fixing and positioning elements moving during movement of the upstream pod surrounding portion back to the open position, and there is no risk of at least one of the pair of fixing and positioning elements pinching or pinching the flange of the extracted pod while the cage gradually releases the extracted pod.

[0053] Preferably, the fixation and positioning element moves from the received position to the retracted position along the extension direction.

[0054] By "extended direction" it is meant that the directions followed by the first and second securing and positioning elements are not parallel, and the distance between these elements is greater in the retracted position than in the received position.

[0055] As a result, in the receiving position, the pair of fixing and positioning elements defines an intermediate space dimensioned to hold at least the smaller pod, i.e. the pod having the smallest diameter due to inconsistent manufacturing. When these elements are pushed from this receiving position to the retracted position by the upstream surrounding portion, the space between these elements increases in the expansion direction, which causes the flange of the pod having the largest diameter does not remain pinched by these elements in the retracted position; and It is ensured that the upstream surrounding portion can lean against the downstream surrounding portion in order to uniformly form the brewing chamber along the entire circumference of the pod flange.

[0056] If the flange becomes partially pinched by one of the fixing and positioning elements during the closing operation of the chamber, this will result in uneven closure, liquid leakage, pressure build-up and incorrect extraction of the pod.

[0057] In particular, if the pod diameter is not consistent, even with small tolerances, the risk of pinching increases.

[0058] During movement to the retracted position, the extension direction of the elements avoids the risk of pinching.

[0059] Generally, as the fixation and positioning elements move from the receiving position to the retracted position, they can expand laterally by a dimension that corresponds to the tolerance on the diameter of the manufactured pod. For example, if the tolerance is about 1 mm, then each element can expand laterally by at least 0.5 mm, and preferably 1 mm, while the fixation elements move from the receiving position to the retracted position.

[0060] Preferably, the pod holder comprises guide portions configured to guide the movement of the fixing and positioning element between the fixing position and the retracted position, these guide portions may comprise slopes oriented to slide along a surface of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream surrounding portion according to the extension direction.

[0061] Preferably, the side of the upstream wrapping portion facing the downstream wrapping portion includes a rising element configured to press against the pair of fixing and positioning elements during longitudinal translation of the upstream wrapping portion from the open position to the closed position.

[0062] Preferably, the open end of the cage defined by the upstream enclosure is covered by a seal comprising a ridge configured to press a flange of the pod against a peripheral region of the downstream portion plate.

[0063] This causes the pod flange to be tightly pinched between the seal and the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosure, with any liquid paths resulting from the presence of wrinkles around the pod flange being closed by engagement of the seal.

[0064] Even more preferably, the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion includes a groove that matches the shape of the ridge of the seal.

[0065] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising a brewing device as described above.

[0066] Generally, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream surrounding part. The liquid supply system comprises: A liquid supply unit such as a liquid tank; a pump means for driving liquid from the liquid supply to the extraction device; Heating and / or cooling means may be provided for adapting the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced inside the pod.

[0067] The liquid is usually water.

[0068] The beverage machine may be equipped with recognition means as described above.

[0069] The beverage machine usually comprises a motor which actuates the movement of the surrounding part of the extraction device.

[0070] Typically, the beverage machine comprises a control unit arranged to control the movement of the surrounding part of the extraction device and the supply of liquid to the extraction device.

[0071] The control unit may be configured to control the recognition operation of the recognition device, if present, or to display information to the user.

[0072] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a brewing device and a pod as described above, or comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod as described above, comprising: The pod A pod body, the pod body comprising: side and bottom walls defining a chamber, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top opening; a peripheral annular flange projecting radially outwardly from the upper opening, the peripheral annular flange including an upper surface opposite the chamber with respect to the opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; an upper lid attached to an upper surface of the peripheral flange and closing an upper opening of the pod body; When the upstream and downstream enclosing portions are in the closed position, a central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosing portion is designed to face or support the peripheral edge of the upper end of the side wall of the pod body.

[0073] Preferably, the body and lid of the pod are made from a paper material.

[0074] The paper material provides the pod with biodegradable and / or compostable properties.

[0075] In one preferred embodiment, the paper material is a multi-layered paper material comprising at least a layer of paper coated with a plastic film, preferably a compostable plastic film. The compostable plastic film may be a multi-layered plastic film. The film may provide additional properties such as an air barrier and a sealant to avoid delamination.

[0076] Generally, the mechanical properties, such as the stiffness, of a dry paper material decrease when the paper material becomes wet. Specifically, the elastic modulus of a paper material can decrease by a factor of 10 when the paper material becomes wet.

[0077] The paper material of the pod is A modulus of elasticity of at least 2000 MPa when dry and less than 250 MPa when wet; and / or It may have a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa when dry and less than 10 MPa when wet.

[0078] In a fourth aspect there is provided the use of a pod for preparing a beverage in a device for extracting beverage ingredients as described above or with a beverage machine as described above, comprising: The above pod, A pod body, the pod body comprising: a side wall and a bottom wall defining a chamber, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and an upper end of the side wall; a peripheral annular body flange projecting radially outwardly from an upper end of the side wall, the peripheral annular body flange having an upper surface opposite the chamber with respect to the opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; and a top lid with a peripheral annular portion attached to the top surface of the body flange, the top lid closing the top opening of the pod body.

[0079] Preferably, the body and lid of the pod are made from a paper material.

[0080] The paper material provides the pod with biodegradable and / or compostable properties.

[0081] In one preferred embodiment, the paper material is a multi-layered paper material comprising at least a layer of paper coated with a plastic film, preferably a compostable plastic film. The compostable plastic film may be a multi-layered plastic film. The film may provide additional properties such as an air barrier and a sealant to avoid delamination.

[0082] Generally, the mechanical properties, such as the stiffness, of a dry paper material decrease when the paper material becomes wet. Specifically, the elastic modulus of a paper material can decrease by a factor of 10 when the paper material becomes wet.

[0083] The paper material of the pod is A modulus of elasticity of at least 2000 MPa when dry and less than 250 MPa when wet; and / or It may have a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa when dry and less than 10 MPa when wet.

[0084] In this application: The term "pod" is used broadly to denote any type of single-dose container suitable for preparing a beverage or other edible product, such as a capsule, cartridge, portioned package, or individual package, without being limited to the shape of this container, particularly the shape of the body, or the type of piercing means required to extract the beverage therefrom. The term "longitudinally" refers to the orientation of the two enveloping parts one to the other and their movement along the longitudinal axis XX'. The term "laterally" therefore refers to an orientation that is lateral or perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation. In general, the longitudinal and lateral orientations extend in a horizontal plane. The term "lateral" is defined by reference to a vertical axis that includes the longitudinal axis XX'. The terms "vertically" and "downwardly" refer to the movement of the pod in the brewing device from the introduction of the pod above the two enclosures to the discharge of the pod below the two enclosures. The terms "upper" and "lower" also refer to this vertical axis. The terms "top" and "lower" refer to this vertical axis when considering the brewing element. With respect to the pod, the terms "top" and "bottom" are defined according to the description of FIG. 1A. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of liquid through the extraction device from an upstream enclosure to a downstream enclosure.

[0085] Generally, these terms are used to describe the relative placement of features of a brewing device and should be understood to refer to the normal orientation of said device when placed in a beverage preparation machine to produce a beverage, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 3C.

[0086] The above aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically shown and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed description, and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0087] Particular embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1C] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B are side and top views of a device according to the invention in a closed position. [Figure 2B] 1A and 1B are side and top views of a device according to the invention in a closed position. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an isolated side view of the upstream and downstream pod surrounding portions of a device according to the invention in an open position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an isolated side view of the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions of FIG. 3A in a closed position. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is an isolated side view of the upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3A in a pod discharge position. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the downstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view of the downstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3D is an exploded perspective view of the downstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3C. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4C. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view of the upstream pod surrounding portion of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 6] FIG. 3C is a top view. [Figure 7] 3B, with an enlarged interaction area Z of the surrounding portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0088] Figure 1A (perspective view) and Figure 1B (exploded view) illustrate a pod 3, 3' that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0089] The pod 3 comprises a pod body 31 having one sidewall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 to the top. The sidewall 311 extends to an upper opening 312. At the upper opening 312, the body comprises a peripheral annular flange 314 extending radially outward from the sidewall 311 along the periphery of the opening 312.

[0090] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0091] Generally, any transverse cross section of the body will be circular from base to top and the flanges will also be circular.

[0092] The body defines a chamber for containing a beverage ingredient.

[0093] The packaged beverage ingredients are preferably ingredients that can be brewed, such as roast and ground coffee.

[0094] In a second preferred method, the beverage raw material may be tea leaves or a water-soluble powder raw material such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of said powders, or a soluble liquid raw material or even a beverage concentrate such as a syrup or a milk concentrate. The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

[0095] The capsule includes a planar lid 32 that is secured, sealed or otherwise attached to at least a portion of the upper surface 3142 of the peripheral flange, thus covering and closing the upper opening 312 .

[0096] The lower wall 313 is adapted to be perforated so that liquid can be injected into the pod through the perforated openings.

[0097] The lid 32 is adapted to be opened by relative engagement with a piercing device under the effect of an increase in liquid pressure inside the pod during injection of liquid.

[0098] The pod shape is symmetrical about a central axis ZZ' that extends from the bottom wall to the lid, and the pod shape is asymmetrical about the plane and flange of the lid.

[0099] Figure 1C illustrates another pod 3' that can be used in the brewing device of the invention and that differs from the pod 3 of Figure 1A only in the longitudinal size (along ZZ') of the pod body 31'. The pod body 31 of the larger pod 3 defines an ingredient chamber having a larger volume than the pod body 31' of the smaller pod 3', and the side wall 311 is taller than the side wall 311'. The diameters of the lid 32' of the smaller pod and the lid 32 of the larger pod are identical.

[0100] This difference in size allows for the preparation of different beverages, preferably different coffee beverages such as ristretto, espresso, lungo (long cup), americano, etc.

[0101] Sizes other than those illustrated may be provided, such as intermediate sizes.

[0102] If the pod contains roast and ground coffee, the amount of coffee may range from 4 to 15 g. The axial dimension of the pod may extend from 5 mm to 30 mm, for the same diameter of the body of about 53 mm.

[0103] Preferably, the pod 3 is made of an essentially biodegradable or compostable material, preferably a home compostable material, since the coffee cake after extraction can be easily composted at home.

[0104] Preferably, the material of the pod comprises a paper layer, which is mouldable, i.e. a sheet of paper capable of being given a three-dimensional shape in the shape of the body of the pod as described above, in contrast to typical pods made of filter paper, this paper is thick and maintains the three-dimensional shape provided during the moulding process of the manufacture of the pod.

[0105] Preferably, the paper layer of the pod is at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150 g / m 2 The body paper can have a basis weight of 1.0 g / m2 or more. The body paper can exhibit a higher basis weight than the lid paper because it needs to be stretched and deformed during manufacture.

[0106] The paper weight of the main body is 80 to 150 g / m 2 It can be said that:

[0107] The lid is 20 to 120 g / m 2 The sheet may have a basis weight comprised between 1.

[0108] Both papers are approximately 100 g / m 2 The sheet may have a basis weight of 100 g.

[0109] The material of the pod may include a layer of paper and some other material to provide additional properties such as air barrier properties, stretchable properties, or deformable properties. These additional properties may be provided by at least one plastic layer, for example as described in WO 2020 / 114995. Some additional layers of the body and lid may be different.

[0110] In fact, the paper must be thick enough to be molded into a beverage container and to form a barrier to protect the beverage ingredients. In addition, the paper layer is preferably coated with a compostable plastic film to create a barrier against the atmosphere, specifically against oxygen, to which roast and ground coffee is particularly sensitive. A sealant layer is often necessary to attach the different layers together and prevent delamination. For example, such a multi-layer paper material can be a material described in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0111] In such pod materials, the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the body may be about 200 μm and the thickness of the multi-layer paper material of the lid may be about 140 μm, which means that the flange thickness is usually more than 200 μm or even more than 300 μm.

[0112] The production of pods generally involves: - preparing a first sheet of deformable paper material of circular shape, the diameter of said first sheet being adapted to the size of the pods to be produced (small or large); deforming the first sheet to form a pod body having a flange from the pod body, this operation is usually performed by molding the first sheet in a dedicated recess, die, or mold having the shape of the pod body; filling the shaped body with a serving of beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee, and compressing the serving of roast and ground coffee preferably inside the shaped pod; Providing a circular second sheet of material, the diameter of said second sheet corresponding to the diameter of the pod lid, regardless of the size of the pod (small or large) to be manufactured; and sealing the second sheet onto the flange of the filled molded body.

[0113] The specific nature of paper results in a change in the mechanical properties of the pod before a liquid such as water is introduced into the cage and into the pod when the pod is filled with water. When the paper material becomes wet, it loses its rigidity, becomes soft and easily tearable. As a result, the handling of the pod is quite different between the process of introducing a new unextracted pod into the brewing device and the process of ejecting a wet and soft extracted pod from the brewing device. In particular, it has been observed that when the paper material becomes wet, its elastic modulus can decrease significantly.

[0114] Tests were carried out on the stiffness properties of multi-layer paper materials, which had at least one layer of paper and a compostable plastic film as described in WO 2020 / 114995. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of these materials were measured at 90°C (the temperature in the chamber of the device used to measure the elastic modulus) according to standard method ASTM D882, either on dry material or on wet material after immersion in hot water for 30 seconds.

[0115] These paper materials are A modulus of elasticity of at least 2000 MPa when dry and below 250 MPa when wet; and / or It has been observed to have a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa when dry and below 10 MPa when wet.

[0116] The difference between these measurements quantifies the large difference in pod stiffness between the dry and wet states.

[0117] FIG. 2A is a side view of an extraction device according to the invention, comprising an upstream pod enclosing part 2 and a downstream pod enclosing part 1, which are relatively translatable along a longitudinal axis XX'. Usually, this axis XX' is essentially horizontal. In FIG. 2A, these two parts are in a closed position, forming an extraction chamber configured to enclose the pod during extraction. The pod is introduced through an insert 4 arranged above the two enclosing parts 1, 2 and can fall from the insert 4 into these two enclosing parts 1, 2 by gravity. After extraction, when the two enclosing parts 1, 2 move away from each other, the pod can again fall below these two enclosing parts 1, 2 by gravity. The arrow F indicates the movement of the pod from its insertion into the interior of the extraction device to its ejection from said device.

[0118] The two pod enveloping parts 1, 2 are held and movable between two lateral longitudinal metal sheets 6a, 6b. At least one of these parts is translationally movable between these two sheets in order to assess different relative and functional positions. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the downstream enveloping part 1 is fixed and only the upstream enveloping part 2 is movable back and forth along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0119] 2B is a top view of the extraction device with the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1 in the same relative position. The insert 4, and in particular its housing, is designed in such a way that the pod 2 can be introduced with its lid 32 facing the downstream pod enclosing part 1 and therefore facing the perforation device 12 of said enclosing part as described below. As a result, the user is prompted to correctly position the asymmetric pod 3 inside the extraction device.

[0120] Preferably, this insert 4 can be equipped with a recognition device for recognizing or identifying the pod 2 introduced inside the extraction device. a pod temporary blocking means for blocking the progress of the pod at the temporary recognition position; A device for recognizing a pod whose progress has been blocked at this temporary recognition position may be provided.

[0121] The recognition device is configured such that, when a pod is recognized, the pod temporary blocking means allows the pod to drop into a pod holder of the extraction device.

[0122] Figures 3A and 3B are isolated side views of the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1 of the extraction device of Figures 2A and 2B in different relative and functional positions. In these isolated views, the insert 4 and the longitudinal sheets 6a, 6b have been removed to better see the different elements of the parts 1, 2. In addition, the position of the pod 3 is illustrated diagrammatically with dotted lines.

[0123] In Figure 3A, the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 are arranged in an open position for inserting a pod from above. A pod holder 11 is visible in front of the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 in a receiving position for receiving and holding a pod, as will be further described below in connection with Figure 4A.

[0124] In Figure 3B, the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 are disposed in a closed position to form a brewing chamber that encloses the pod during brewing, in which the pod holder 11 is in a retracted position, as will be further described below in relation to Figure 4B.

[0125] Figure 4A is an isolated perspective view of the downstream pod enveloping part 2 of Figure 3A. The downstream part 1 defines a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate comprises a fixed central downstream planar piercing device 12 for opening the pod lid 32 when the brewing liquid is introduced into the interior of the pod causing the lid to expand.

[0126] Typically, this central downstream flat perforator 12 is circular like a pod lid.

[0127] The opening occurs by relative engagement of the spike with the lid under the effect of the pressure increase of the liquid injected in the pod body chamber. This downstream planar piercing device may comprise a rigid plate with an opening element 121, such as a spike, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with a truncated end, on its surface facing the lid. In addition, the plate comprises a transverse hole for ejecting the extracted beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle that collects the beverage and delivers it to a drinking cup.

[0128] In addition, the plate comprises a peripheral area 13 surrounding the perforation device 12 .

[0129] The downstream part 1 comprises a pod holder 11 mounted in a peripheral area 13 .

[0130] The pod holder can be moved between two positions while installed: In Figure 4A, the pod holder 11 is in a first position for receiving and holding a pod lid in front of the downstream planar drilling device.

[0131] The pod holder 11 comprises a pair of elements 11a, 11b which secure and position the pod when the pair is in the first receiving position. In this position of the pod holder, these elements secure the pod vertically, i.e. stop the vertical fall of the pod falling from the insertion position. In addition, in this position, these elements position the pod's lid in front of the downstream planar piercing device 12, i.e. they align or center the pod's lid with the downstream planar piercing device 12. In fact, due to the asymmetric shape of the pod, the center of gravity of the pod is outside the plane of the lid, and the introduced pod would tip over in the space between the two enclosing parts if it was not also fixed longitudinally.

[0132] Typically, each of the above elements of the pair is a lower support surface 111a, 111b for vertically securing the pod when the pod is dropped by gravity from the insert between the two enclosing portions into the interior of the device, the lower support surface being positioned so that the pod's lid is aligned with the downstream punching device; The pod lid comprises lateral arcuate ridges 112a, 112b that fix the pod longitudinally so that it remains essentially parallel or slightly inclined to the downstream plane drilling device 12. Preferably, these ridges extend in a transverse plane that is slightly inclined to the plane of the downstream plane drilling device, which plane is usually essentially vertical. This inclination provides more space for the insertion of the pod from the insert to the pod holder and limits the risk of the pod going wrong. Due to the fact that the pod has an asymmetric shape with respect to the plane of the lid, the pod cannot be in an equilibrium position when the pod lid is oriented vertically, and even less so when the pod is at its maximum size, since its center of gravity is in the center of the pod body. The lateral arcuate ridges may extend in a transverse plane that may be inclined to the plane of the downstream plane drilling device.

[0133] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the fixing elements are mounted in the lower part of the peripheral region 13 of the downstream plate drilling device in a manner that allows them to pivot about the transverse axis YY'. The fixing elements can therefore be moved from their inclined position to a position aligned with the plane of the plate defined by the downstream portion, i.e. to a retracted position.

[0134] Typically, the pair of elements 11a, 11b have a symmetrical shape along a central vertical plane that includes the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0135] The pair of fixing elements 11a, 11b are movable from the receiving position to a second retracted position at the side of the downstream plane drilling device as shown in Fig. 4B, an exploded perspective view of the downstream pod enclosing part 2 of Fig. 3B. In this situation, the pair of fixing and positioning elements 11a, 11b are pushed from the receiving position to the retracted position by the upstream enclosing part 2 when said upstream enclosing part is translated longitudinally from the open position to the closed position.

[0136] During this movement of the fixing elements 11 a, 11 b from the receiving position to the retracted position, the fixing elements are moved incrementally to a position where they are aligned with the sides of the downstream planar drilling device 12. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the fixing elements are moved incrementally to the downstream planar drilling device 12.

[0137] During this movement of the fixing elements relative to one another, the pod is moved from a position in which its lid 32 is slightly inclined relative to the plane of the punching device 12 to a position in which the lid 32 extends along said plane. During this movement, the fixing elements 11a, 11b pass from the side of the lower surface 3142 of the pod flange to the side of the upper surface 3141 of the pod flange. During this movement, the pod flange 314 is successively pressed, bent and then released by the fixing elements 11a, 11b.

[0138] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the upstream pod enclosure portion 2 of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0139] The upstream portion defines an empty cage or cavity 21 for enclosing the pod body.

[0140] The upstream wall of the cage carries an upstream piercing device 22 for opening the lower wall 313 of the pod body. The upstream wall is provided with at least one liquid injector 25 for supplying liquid into the pod through a hole drilled in the lower wall of the pod.

[0141] The upstream perforation device may comprise perforators in the form of blades that may be designed and positioned to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts are in the closed position, as in Figure 3B. A liquid injector 25, such as a shower, in the upstream wall of the cage may introduce the brewing liquid into the cage through pre-perforated openings in the cage.

[0142] Since pods 3 of different sizes can be introduced and extracted, the bottom of the cage 21 can be made movable in order to adapt the cage's internal volume to the pods, as described, for example, in WO 2020 / 089404.

[0143] Preferably, the edge 211 of the upstream open face of the cage is surrounded by a seal 24 to ensure the tightness of the chamber formed by the two parts 1, 2 in the closed position. This seal 24 covers the periphery of the edge of the open face of the cage.

[0144] Preferably, the upstream surrounding part 2 comprises two longitudinal protrusions 26a, 26b extending on the downstream face of the upstream pod surrounding part, the function of which will be explained below. Preferably, each of these two longitudinal protrusions 26a, 26b has a respective recess 261a, 261b (as shown in FIG. 6).

[0145] The upstream open face edge 211 of the cage faces the central portion 131 of the peripheral region of the downstream enclosure.

[0146] The downstream side of the upstream enveloping part may comprise rising elements 23 configured to push against the pair of fixing and positioning elements 11 a, 11 b during longitudinal translation of the upstream enveloping part from the open position to the closed position, said rising elements 23 being arranged to contact different parts of said fixing and positioning elements from the top to the bottom of said fixing and positioning elements in order to ensure a gradual and uniform movement of said elements 11 a, 11 b to their retracted positions.

[0147] Preferably, each of the fixing and positioning elements 11a, 11b can be locked in a retracted position during pod extraction and during pod ejection.

[0148] Figure 3C shows the moment when the upstream pod enclosing part 2 is moving from the closed position of Figure 3B to the pod ejection position, as indicated by the arrow H. At this time, the peripheral area 13 of the downstream enclosing part is pulled by the upstream enclosing part 2 and is caused to pivot about shafts 133a, 133b attached to the chassis 14 of the downstream enclosing part, oriented along the transverse axis YY'. This pivoting movement results in a tilting of the peripheral area 13, as indicated by the arrow V, which forces the ejection of the extracted pod 2. This pulling effect, as illustrated in Figure 6, which is a top view of Figure 3C, and in Figure 4C, which is an isolated view of the downstream enclosing part 1, two longitudinal protrusions 26a, 26b extending on the downstream face of the upstream pod-enclosing portion; This is obtained by cooperation with two corresponding pins 136 a , 136 b on the upper side of the peripheral area 13 .

[0149] Fig. 4D is a close-up of these interacting pairs of protrusions 261b and pins 136b, the downstream side 1361b of which is designed such that the recessed edge 261b pushes said pin in the upstream direction. As a result, the entire peripheral area 13 is pushed simultaneously and pivoted about the lower shafts 133a, 133b to which it is attached. Fig. 4C shows the inclination angle α of the peripheral area plane compared to the original orientation of the peripheral area along the chassis 14. In the illustrated embodiment, this angle represents several degrees. This angle can vary depending on the size and structure of the two surrounding parts.

[0150] The entire peripheral area 13 is pivoted while the central perforation device 12 remains fixed and motionless. This movement of the peripheral area and the pods away from the perforation device 12 ensures that the extracted pods 2 are effectively discharged and do not remain partially attached to the perforation device spikes 121. Indeed, when pods made of compostable paper material are used, the properties of such material change after contact with a liquid such as water. In particular, the lid material retains the liquid, expands and softens when in contact with aqueous liquids, which allows the lid material to adhere closely to downstream perforation devices such as the perforation device spikes 121.

[0151] As a result, simply returning the upstream surrounding part 2 to the open position is not sufficient to ensure ejection of the pod from the extraction device.

[0152] The slope of the peripheral region aids in the ejection of the pod by tilting it downward and away from the punching device 12. This orientation of the pod aids in the ejection of the pod because the asymmetric shape of the pod causes the center of gravity of the pod to pull the pod downward and away from the downstream punching device, specifically the spikes 121.

[0153] In addition, the tiltable peripheral area 13 has a central portion 131 which forms part of the extraction chamber when the upstream pod surrounding portion 2 and the downstream pod surrounding portion 1 are in a closed position as shown in Figure 7, and the edge 211 of the open end of the cage leans against this central portion 131 of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream surrounding portion.

[0154] When the pod 3 is in the closed extraction device, as in Figure 3B or as illustrated by the black dotted line in Figure 7, the side walls 311 of the pod extend along the inner side walls 212 of the cage, while the lid 32 extends along the perforation device 12. The configuration of the extraction device results in the upper edge 3111 of the side walls facing the central portion 131 of the peripheral area of ​​the downstream enclosure.

[0155] As a result, during the ejection movement, this annular central portion 131 does not support or press against the flange 314 of the pod, but presses through the lid against the peripheral edge of the upper end of the side wall 311, i.e. against the thicker area of ​​the pod material. The change in properties of the compostable material of the pod includes the stiffness of the material. It has been observed that the material becomes easily tearable when wet. As a result, if the peripheral area 13 only presses against the flange 314 of the extracted pod, there is a significant risk that this flange will tear and the central part of the lid will remain attached to the spikes of the perforation device, resulting in two undesirable consequences: the pod will not be ejected, and part of the extracted beverage ingredients, such as coffee cake, will leave the pod and soil the internal parts of the extraction device.

[0156] By making this annular central portion 131 of the peripheral region part of the brewing chamber and allowing it to be tilted, the risk of tearing is avoided and an efficient and proper drainage of the pod is obtained.

[0157] Preferably, the width of the annular central portion 131 may be several mm.

[0158] Preferably, the pivotable peripheral region 13 is spring-loaded so that when it is pulled and pivoted by the upstream closure portion and the upstream closure portion releases the pivotable peripheral region, it automatically returns to its position around the downstream punching device 12, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0159] Generally, the brewing device is set to eject the pod immediately after brewing to limit the risk of the lid drying on the downstream piercing device 12, especially around the spike 121, and to facilitate ejection.

[0160] This can be done by moving the upstream surrounding portion 2 towards the downstream surrounding portion 1 as described above in relation to FIG. 4D.

[0161] While the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed is in no way limited to those illustrated embodiments.

[0162] Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

[0163] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and similar terms should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to." [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Downstream Enclosure 11 Pod Holder 11a, 11b Fixing and positioning elements 111a, 111b holding surface 112a, 112b arcuate ridge 12 Downstream plate drilling device 121 Spike 13 Surrounding Areas 131 Central part 133a, 133b shaft 134a, 134b Reception area 14 Chassis 2. Upstream Enclosure 21 Cage 211 Edge 212 Side wall 22 Upstream drilling device 23 Rising element 24 Seal 25 liquid syringe 26a, 26b protrusion 261a, 261b recess 3, 3' pod 31, 31' Main body 311, 311' side wall 3111 Top edge 312 Upper opening 313 Lower Wall 314 Flange 3141 Top surface 3142 Bottom surface 32 Lid 4 Insertion section 5 Extraction chamber 6a, 6b Side sheets

Claims

1. 1. A device for extracting beverage ingredients by supplying an extracting liquid, such as heated water, into a pod, comprising: The pods (3, 3') A pod body (31), comprising: a sidewall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top end (3111) of said sidewall, said top end defining an upper opening (312); a peripheral annular body flange (314) projecting radially outwardly from said upper end (3111) of said side wall, said peripheral annular body flange having an upper surface opposite said chamber with respect to said opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; a planar top cover (32) attached to the top surface of the peripheral flange and closing the top opening of the pod body; The device, an upstream pod enclosing part (2) and a downstream pod enclosing part (1) relatively translatable along a longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting said pod (3) and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber (5) surrounding said pod during brewing, the upstream part (2) defines a cage (21) and carries an upstream piercing device (22) and a liquid injector (25) for opening the lower wall (313) of the pod; The downstream portion (1) defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate comprising: a fixed downstream plane piercing device (12) for opening the lid (32) of the pod; an upstream pod surrounding part and a downstream pod surrounding part, the upstream pod surrounding part comprising a peripheral area (13) surrounding the fixed downstream plane drilling device; an insert (4) for inserting the pod into the device, the insert being designed to position the pod so that the planar top lid faces the downstream perforation device (12); In the closed position: the central portion (131) of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding part, the downstream plane drilling device (12) and the cage (21) of the upstream surrounding part form the extraction chamber (5); an edge (211) of an open end of the cage defined by the upstream surrounding portion faces the central portion (131) of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion; A device, wherein the peripheral region (13) of the downstream surrounding part can pivot about an axis (YY'), which axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX') and is arranged at the bottom of the upstream surrounding part, and wherein the peripheral region can pivot in the direction of the upstream surrounding part (2).

2. the downstream surface drilling device is circular; The device of claim 1 , wherein the central portion of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion forms an annular region.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upstream pod surrounding portion (2) is provided with pulling means (261a, 261b) configured to engage with an upper portion (136a, 136b) of the peripheral region (13) of the downstream surrounding portion when the upstream pod surrounding portion (2) is moved from the closed position to an open position for ejecting the pod (3).

4. The device comprises a pod holder (11), the pod holder being attached to the peripheral area (13) of the downstream portion, the pod holder comprising: a receiving position for receiving and holding the lid (32) of the pod in front of the downstream surface drilling device (12); A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is movable between a retracted position at the side of the downstream planar drilling device (12) and a retracted position at the side of the downstream planar drilling device (12).

5. A beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a pod, Or a system comprising a beverage preparation machine according to claim 5 and a pod, The pods (3, 3') A pod body (31), comprising: a sidewall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top end (3111) of said sidewall, said top end defining an upper opening (312); a peripheral annular body flange (314) projecting radially outwardly from said upper end (3111) of said side wall, said peripheral annular body flange having an upper surface opposite said chamber with respect to said opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; a planar top cover (32) attached to the top surface of the peripheral flange and closing the top opening of the pod body; When the upstream surrounding portion (2) and the downstream surrounding portion (1) are in the closed position, The system, wherein the central portion (131) of the peripheral region of the downstream surrounding portion is designed to face the periphery of the upper end (3111) of the side wall of the pod body.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the body and the lid of the pod are made from a paper material.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the mechanical properties of the paper material decrease when the paper material becomes wet.

9. A system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the paper material is reduced by a factor of 10 when the paper material becomes wet.

10. The paper material of the pod is A modulus of elasticity of at least 2000 MPa when dry and less than 250 MPa when wet; and / or 10. The system of any one of claims 6 to 9, having a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa when dry and less than 10 MPa when wet.

11. Use of a pod (3, 3') for preparing a beverage in a device for extracting a beverage ingredient according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or with a beverage machine according to claim 5, or in a system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising: The pods (3, 3') A pod body (31), comprising: a sidewall (311) and a lower wall (313) defining a chamber, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and an upper end (3111) of said sidewall; a peripheral annular body flange (314) projecting radially outwardly from said upper end (3111) of said side wall, said peripheral annular body flange having an upper surface (3141) opposite said chamber with respect to said opening; A pod body containing beverage ingredients; a planar top lid (32) attached to the top surface (3141) of the body flange and closing the top opening of the pod body.

12. The use according to claim 11, wherein the body and the lid of the pod are made of a paper material.

13. The use according to claim 12, wherein the mechanical properties of the paper material decrease when the paper material becomes wet.

14. 14. The use according to claim 13, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the paper material is reduced by a factor of 10 when the paper material is wetted.

15. The paper material of the pod is A modulus of elasticity of at least 2000 MPa when dry and less than 250 MPa when wet; and / or 15. Use according to claim 14, having a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa when dry and less than 10 MPa when wet.

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