Packs for beverage preparation systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage production system comprising a pack 10 and a module 1 for producing a beverage from the pack, the pack 10 having an area 104 configured to be openable, the module 1 comprising a fluid processing device 11 having an upwardly pointed end 114, at least one internal inlet conduit 111 for introducing a fluid into the pack in order to prepare a beverage by mixing the fluid with ingredients contained in the pack, and at least one internal outlet conduit 112 for pouring the beverage from the pack, and an actuator 12 for moving the fluid processing device 11 and the pack 10 relative to one another, the openable area 104 of the pack being made of a film of material, the film of material being initially stretchable around the upwardly pointed end 114 and then pierceable by the upwardly pointed end while the fluid processing device is moving upwards through the openable area 104.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage system that uses packs of beverage ingredients. [Background technology]

[0002] WO 20211 / 10652 describes a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a container holding a beverage ingredient, the machine comprising a needle designed to pierce the bottom of the container and protrude inside the container so as to introduce water into the container through a water inlet of the container and then dispense the beverage obtained by mixing the ingredients and the water through a beverage flow path defined by the needle.

[0003] The container is held essentially vertically and the needle pierces the bottom surface of the container from below. Typically, the needle pierces a specific openable area of ​​the bottom surface of the container. Depending on the configuration of this openable area and the nature of the material, various problems may arise.

[0004] Firstly, the drilled hole is larger than the cross section of the needle and there is a risk that the unmixed beverage ingredients will fall out of said hole by slipping around the needle body. It may also happen that the liquid beverage being prepared drips out of said hole by slipping around the needle body even though the needle is not in the beverage dispensing operating position. This leads to inconsistent preparation if some of the ingredients are not mixed with water, to staining if the ingredients fall around the needle in the internal parts of the needle machine and to disappointing beverage appearance if the unmixed ingredients fall into the final drinking cup.

[0005] Secondly, there is a risk that the material in this openable area will not be perforated or will be perforated incorrectly, so that part of this material will cover the upper end of the needle inside the container volume, in particular the outlet end of the water conduit or the inlet end of the beverage outlet, which may hinder the correct preparation of the beverage.

[0006] Apart from the above mentioned issues related to optimal perforation for correct beverage preparation, the material constituting the openable area must be made of a food compatible material since it is the part of the container that comes into contact with the final beverage.

[0007] Finally, in a preferred manner, the materials used for the container should also be recyclable or compostable.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The object of the present invention is to address the above existing problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage production system comprising a pack and a module for producing a beverage from the pack, the pack comprises a beverage ingredient, the ingredient being configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack having a planar shape along a plane (P), the pack having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the pack having an area configured to be openable; The module in question is: a puck holder assembly adapted to hold the puck in an essentially vertical position inside the module; A fluid treatment device comprising a body, the body comprising: An upwardly pointed end; at least one internal inlet conduit for introducing a fluid into the pack for mixing the fluid with ingredients contained within the pack to prepare a beverage; at least one internal outlet conduit for dispensing the beverage from the pack; A fluid processing device comprising: 1. An actuator, comprising: moving the fluid treatment device and the pack relative to one another so that the upwardly pointed end opens the openable area of ​​the bottom surface of the pack; an actuator for placing the fluid treatment device and the pack together in an operating position in which a portion of the fluid treatment device with the pointed end projects inside an interior volume of the pack for admitting the fluid from an inlet conduit end and dispensing the beverage through an outlet conduit end; Equipped with The openable area of ​​the pack is made of a film of material, and while the fluid processing device moves upwardly through the openable area, the film of material can first stretch around the upwardly pointed end and then be pierced by the upwardly pointed end.

[0010] The system includes a pack containing a food or beverage ingredient that can be further mixed with an aqueous fluid, preferably water, to produce a beverage.

[0011] The food or beverage ingredient packed in the package can be a water-soluble powder or a soluble concentrate in liquid or semi-liquid form. In that embodiment, the water dissolves or dilutes the beverage ingredient. The ingredient can be selected from the following list: soup, fruit juice, vegetable juice, bouillon, coffee, chocolate, tea, milk or creamer, smoothie, puree, coulis, cream, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the food or beverage ingredient is a soluble or dilutable food or beverage ingredient selected from the following list: Instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of these powders; Coffee concentrates, milk concentrates, syrups, fruit or vegetable concentrates, tea concentrates, fruit or vegetable purees.

[0012] The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

[0013] The food or beverage ingredients packed within the package may also include food or beverage ingredients that can be infused, such as roast and ground coffee or tea leaves, in which embodiment the water extracts the beverage ingredients.

[0014] The pack has a planar shape along a plane (P) extending between its base and its top end.

[0015] A region of this bottom surface is adapted to be openable for introducing an aqueous fluid into the interior of the pack and then dispensing the prepared beverage from the pack. Preferably, this region is adapted to be openable by piercing, tearing, punching or piercing, in particular by applying a pointed, pointed or sharp device such as a fluid handling device to said region. Preferably, this openable region is located in the middle of a lateral dimension of the longitudinal profile of the pack.

[0016] Additionally, the system includes a module for producing a beverage, the module including a puck holder assembly configured to hold a puck within the module, a fluid treatment device configured to introduce fluid to a puck present in the puck holder assembly, and an actuator for moving the fluid treatment device and the puck held within the module relative to one another.

[0017] Typically, the pack holder assembly includes a pack chamber adapted to receive a beverage preparation pack inside the module.

[0018] The pack chamber is configured to hold the pack inside the module in an essentially vertical position, which ensures efficient preparation of the beverage, and in particular the pouring of the beverage from the pack, so that as little liquid as possible remains inside the pack at the end of the extraction and when the pack needs to be removed from the system for disposal in a trash bin. The pack chamber may comprise an upper pack inlet for the introduction of a new pack, and may further comprise: Preferably, the pack chamber has a bottom opening configured to allow the fluid handling device access to the bottom of a pack held within the chamber, the access or path being specifically designed to allow the fluid handling device to move relative to the bottom of the pack when the pack is held inside the pack holder assembly.

[0019] The fluid handling device comprises a body with an upwardly pointed, tapered or sharp end designed to open the bottom surface of the pack, preferably by piercing, when the end is moved upwardly against the bottom surface of the pack or when the pack is moved downwardly against the fluid handling device.

[0020] The body of the fluid treatment device includes at least one internal inlet conduit for introducing a fluid into the pack, the fluid being capable of being mixed with ingredients contained within the pack to prepare a beverage.

[0021] The body of the fluid treatment device includes at least one internal outlet conduit for dispensing the prepared beverage, the beverage outlet being separate from the inlet conduit.

[0022] The inlet and outlet conduits are located inside the body of the fluid handling device, which allows for better guiding of liquid in and out of the pack, no liquid loss, no mess and optimal preparation and dispensing.

[0023] Typically, the inlet and outlet conduits terminate near the upwardly facing end of the body of the fluid treatment arrangement.

[0024] Due to the presence of two conduits inside the fluid treatment device, the fluid treatment device generally has a relatively large cross section. For a fluid treatment device with a circular cross section, the diameter of the fluid treatment device is usually at least 5 mm, usually up to 15 mm, preferably 5 to 12 mm, more preferably 6 to 10 mm.

[0025] The fluid treatment device is movable between two different positions, the positions being: one position in which the device is outside the pack; and the other operating position in which the device is located inside the pack during beverage preparation and beverage dispense.

[0026] The fluid treatment device is moved from a standby position to an operating position by an actuator.

[0027] The upwardly pointed end of the body is designed to open the bottom of the pack when the pointed end is pressed against the openable area of ​​the pack held in the pack holder.

[0028] When the operating position is reached, the pointed ends project inside the internal volume of the pack such that the respective ends of both conduits emerge inside the pack, i.e. within this internal volume the end of the internal inlet conduit emerges and within this internal volume the end of the internal outlet conduit is situated, so that the introduced aqueous fluid and the prepared beverage are encouraged to circulate only through these internal conduits.

[0029] Typically, in the operating position, the pointed end of the fluid handling device extends approximately 10mm, preferably 13mm, above the openable area of ​​the pack.

[0030] The openable area of ​​the pack is made of a film of material designed such that the material first stretches around the upwardly pointed ends of the fluid handling device before being perforated as the fluid handling device moves through the openable area. Preferably, the film of material is sufficiently stretchable that it does not break until the ends of the internal conduits of the fluid inlet and beverage outlet appear within the internal volume of the pack. As a result, when the film of material is perforated, the risk of ingredients falling around the fluid handling device through the perforated holes is minimised, and the perforated film remains stretched around the part of the body below the ends of the conduits.

[0031] The expandable property provides the advantage that it allows for a seal around the body when the fluid treatment device is in the operating position.

[0032] At the same time, the membrane must not be overly stretchable, as this would run the risk of it remaining covering the end of the conduit in an unperforated or only slightly perforated state by the needle.

[0033] Preferably, the bottom surface of the pack comprises: an outer primary sheet of flexible material, the outer primary sheet having a first opening in an openable area; an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material, the intermediate secondary sheet covering the first opening; an internal piece of a third reinforcing material, the internal piece having a second opening, the second opening facing the first opening; The intermediate secondary sheet defines an openable area.

[0034] For better interaction with the fluid treatment device, the second opening preferably has the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the fluid treatment device. Typically, this shape is circular.

[0035] Preferably, the size of the first and second openings is slightly larger than the size of the cross-section of the fluid treatment device, so that the fluid treatment device can pass through the second opening while the perforated expandable material is being stretched by the fluid treatment device. Preferably, if the fluid treatment device and the second opening are circular in shape, the diameter of the second opening and the diameter of the cross-section of the fluid treatment device can differ by about 1 mm.

[0036] Preferably, the size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening and the size of the cross section of the fluid treatment device, so that the fluid treatment device does not contact the edge of the first opening during the opening operation, and depending on the nature of the flexible material of the outer primary sheet, it may be preferable to limit this contact for food safety reasons.

[0037] Preferably the remainder of the pack is made from an outer primary sheet of the same flexible material as the base of the pack.

[0038] Such materials offer the advantages of compactness, speed of production (molding, filling and sealing can be performed consecutively) and improved recyclability, depending on the nature of the material used. The flexible material is preferably water impermeable.

[0039] The flexible material is It can be selected from the list of fiber-based materials such as paper, cardboard, cabasse, bamboo or starch-based materials, cellophane or combinations thereof, coated on the inside with a sealant layer to form a sealed edge, preferably with a barrier coating between the fiber-based material and the sealant layer. The barrier coating is configured to form a barrier against oxygen, air and moisture. Such a barrier can be: Metallization coating, Silicone oxide coating, Aluminum coating, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coating, Plastic laminate, Metallized foil or Alufoil, or any combination thereof.

[0040] Preferably, the flexible material is selected from environmentally friendly materials, such as recyclable, biodegradable, industrially compostable, or home compostable materials.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the outer primary sheet of flexible material is a multi-layer material comprising flexible paper coated with a multi-layer film comprising a metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film and a polyethylene film. The polypropylene film provides a barrier to oxygen, air and moisture, while the polyethylene film provides the necessary sealant function for the secondary sheet of stretchable and pierceable material, allowing the edges of the pack to be sealed together.

[0042] Preferably, the inner part of the third reinforcing material is made of a fiber-based material such as paper, cardboard, cabasse, bamboo or starch-based materials, cellophane, or combinations thereof. Typically, this third reinforcing material has a stronger basis weight and is less flexible than the first material to provide some stiffness properties at the bottom surface.

[0043] The intermediate secondary sheet of stretchable and pierceable material can be from the list of polymers including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch based polymers, food grade oxygen and / or moisture absorbers, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The selection of the stretchable and pierceable properties of the material for the properties of the intermediate secondary sheet is the shape of the sharp edges of the fluid handling device; and / or The speed of the fluid treatment device while it is moving upward can be adapted to

[0045] For example, the pointed ends of the fluid treatment devices may be more or less pointed, with more or less sharpness, which may provide different capabilities for penetrating the same sheet of a second material.

[0046] Adaptation may also be necessary if the shape of the end of the fluid treatment device is not axisymmetric and the end initially interacts with the sheet of material near the periphery of the second hole rather than at the center of the second hole.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid treatment device includes a conical end.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate secondary sheet can have an elongation at break along the machine direction of more than 80% and less than 160%, preferably from 100% to 140%.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, this intermediate secondary sheet may have a tensile modulus along the machine direction of greater than 800 MPa and less than 1500 MPa.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, this intermediate secondary sheet may have a tensile strength along the machine direction of greater than 30 MPa and less than 60 MPa.

[0051] In one preferred embodiment, the intermediate secondary sheet may be a multilayer polymeric film, the film comprising: a first polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction of less than 50%; and a second polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction of greater than 160%.

[0052] Typically, these two layers are co-laminated by at least one adhesive layer that provides adhesion between the two layers and, optionally, between one of the layers and another material to which the intermediate secondary sheet is configured to be attached.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate secondary sheet may be a multilayer polymeric film; The first layer of the film is a polyethylene film; The second layer of the film is a metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film.

[0054] Typically, the multilayer polymer film is oriented within the pack such that a first layer of polyethylene film is sealed to a first primary sheet of flexible material and becomes the first layer of an intermediate secondary sheet that is perforated by the fluid processing equipment.

[0055] Specifically, the first layer film may be a polyethylene film having a thickness of 30 μm, and the second layer film may be a metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film having a thickness of 18 μm.

[0056] Preferably, the outer primary sheet of flexible material is a multi-layer material comprising flexible paper coated with a polyethylene film as a sealant layer. This polyethylene film of the outer primary sheet may be of the same nature (grade) as the polyethylene film of the first layer of the intermediate secondary sheet. Thus, the seal is improved.

[0057] Preferably, the outer primary sheet of flexible material is a multi-layer material comprising flexible paper coated with metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene as a barrier layer. This metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene can be of the same nature (grade) as the metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene of the second layer of the intermediate secondary sheet. Thus, manufacturing supply is simplified.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the pack comprises an intermediate fourth sheet of a fourth material disposed between the inner piece of the third reinforcing material and the intermediate secondary sheet, said fourth material facilitating attachment of the intermediate secondary sheet to the inner piece of the third reinforcing material, in particular by covering holes in the inner piece of the third reinforcing material.

[0059] This fourth sheet therefore has sealing properties. This fourth sheet may be a polyethylene film used for its heat sealing properties.

[0060] In a second aspect, there is provided a pack as defined in claims 9 to 13.

[0061] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of producing a pack as described above, the method comprising the steps of: a) drilling a plurality of first holes in a sheet of a first material; b) attaching an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and a piece of a third reinforcement material with a second hole around each first hole, with the second hole facing the first hole; c) cutting the sheet of the first material into individual blank sheets of the first material, each including one first hole covered by an intermediate secondary sheet of the second material and a perforated piece of a third reinforcing material; d) folding and shaping individual blank sheets and sealing the side edges of the sheets to form U-shaped packs; e) filling the U-shaped pack with beverage ingredients and sealing the top edge of the pack; Includes.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, in step b), the intermediate secondary sheet of the second material and the perforated piece of third reinforcing material form a co-laminated single reinforcing piece before applying said material around each first hole in the sheet of the first material, so that step b) is simplified.

[0063] Preferably, the co-laminated single reinforcing component comprises: Drilling a plurality of second holes into the sheet of a third reinforcement material; and then laminating an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and a perforated sheet of a third reinforcing material to form a laminated reinforcing material; and then The co-laminated sheet is then cut into multiple pieces, each with one second hole.

[0064] In a fourth aspect there is provided the use of a pack as described in the second aspect in a beverage production system as described in the first aspect above.

[0065] In this application: Elongation at break, tensile modulus, and tensile strength are provided according to ASTM D 882 at room temperature; Machine direction refers to the machine direction orientation (MDO) of a polymer film during the manufacture of said film.

[0066] 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 illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed description, and accompanying drawings.

[0067] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0068] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage production system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1A-1D are perspective and cross-sectional views of a fluid treatment device that can be used in a beverage production system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pack holder assembly of a module for producing a beverage. [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a side view of a puck held by a locking device and being pierced by a fluid handling device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is an isolated bottom view of the pack being held by the locking device and pierced by the fluid handling device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a pack that can be used in the beverage production system of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 13A-13D are schematic diagrams of the cooperation of the bottom surface of the pack with the fluid treatment device during different operations of the system. [Figure 6B] 13A-13D are schematic diagrams of the cooperation of the bottom surface of the pack with the fluid treatment device during different operations of the system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a method of manufacturing a pack according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a beverage preparation system 100 according to the invention.

[0070] The system 100 comprises a module 1 and a pack 10. The module is adapted to receive the pack and to produce a beverage from said pack.

[0071] The module 1 comprises a puck holder assembly 2 and a fluid system for introducing fluid inside the puck.

[0072] The fluid system typically comprises a fluid source 13, such as a water tank, and pumping means for pumping fluid from the fluid source 14. Heating and / or cooling means are typically part of the system for adapting the temperature of the fluid introduced inside the pack.

[0073] The fluid is supplied to a fluid treatment device 11 which is arranged to cooperate with the bottom of the puck to introduce the fluid into the puck.

[0074] In general, the module includes an actuator 12 that moves the fluid treatment device 11 to a puck held within the puck holder assembly 2 .

[0075] The module typically comprises a system control unit 16 which controls the various devices mentioned above for preparing the beverage from the pack.

[0076] Such a beverage production system 100 may correspond to the systems described in WO 2021 / 110650, WO 2021 / 110654 and / or WO 2021 / 110652.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates perspective and cross-sectional views of a fluid treatment device 11 that can be used in the beverage production system.

[0078] The body of the device 11 comprises a main core portion 114 which is preferably essentially cylindrical, and an upwardly pointed end portion 113 which preferably has a conical shape extending from the main core portion 114 .

[0079] This body is an internal inlet conduit 111 for delivering a fluid, preferably water, to a pointed end 113, as indicated by arrow W; an internal outlet conduit 112 for conveying the prepared beverage in a downward direction from the internal volume of the pack, as indicated by arrow B; Equipped with.

[0080] By internal, it is meant that these conduits extend inside the body rather than along the surface of the body, so that when fluid handling devices are introduced into the pack, liquid flows into and out of the pack through these internal conduits which provide better guidance.

[0081] Both of these conduits are separate from each other. Each conduit 111, corresponding 112, has an end 111a, corresponding 112a, respectively, which emerges at the top of the body.

[0082] Preferably, the end 111a of the inlet conduit is designed to eject fluid upwards inside the pack.

[0083] The actuator 12 (FIG. 1) is adapted to move the fluid treatment device 11 to the puck 10 held by the puck holder assembly 2, in particular to move the pointed portion 113 to the openable area 104, in order to open the openable area 104 or a membrane or cover provided in this area. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 12 may be adapted to move the puck to the openable area of ​​the fluid treatment device 11.

[0084] 3 is a diagram of the puck holder assembly 2 of the module 1. The assembly comprises a puck chamber 22 having a planar shape, the plane of the chamber being oriented essentially vertically inside the module 1, i.e. the chamber is adapted to hold a puck 10 such that the plane (P) of the puck extends along the plane of the chamber. The puck chamber comprises an upper puck inlet 222 for introducing the puck 10.

[0085] The chamber has a bottom opening 221 configured to allow access to at least the bottom surface of a puck held within the chamber.

[0086] Preferably, the pack holder assembly 2 comprises a movable locking device 24 configured to secure the pack 10, and in particular the base of the pack, inside the pack holder assembly when the beverage is prepared.

[0087] 4A is an isolated side view of the pack 10 held by the locking device 24 and pierced by a fluid treatment device 11 (shown diagrammatically), which projects inside the interior volume of the pack to introduce fluid. The device 11 has been previously introduced through the bottom surface of the pack, with an upward vertical movement of the device actuated by the actuator (motor) of the module 1. A pin 242 of the locking device 24 holds the pack during its movement by cooperating with a hole in the pack, which will be described below.

[0088] FIG. 4B is a corresponding bottom view of the pack held by the locking device and being pierced by a fluid treatment device, showing the penetration of the fluid treatment device 11 into the inside of the openable area 104 of the pack at the bottom.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pack 10 that can be used in a beverage production system 100 according to the present invention.

[0090] The pack contains ingredients adapted to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage. The pack has a planar shape which lies along a plane P. Two longitudinal planar walls 105 (front and rear) extend along this plane P.

[0091] In this particular embodiment, the walls 105 are made of a flexible material and have sealed side edges 106, as well as a sealed edge at the top end 107. The bottom surface 101 of the pack is adapted to be openable. The bottom surface 101 comprises an area 104, which is an openable area. This area 104 is adapted to be openable by a fluid treatment device 11 of the system. This openable area 104 is adapted to allow the introduction of the fluid treatment device 11 such that it protrudes inside the interior volume of the pack, as shown in Figure 6B, for introducing fluid and for collecting and dispensing the beverage.

[0092] Preferably, the pack may comprise holes 103 arranged at the bottom end and around the openable area 104. These holes are arranged to cooperate with two positioning means 242 of a movable locking device as shown in Figures 4A, 4B. Strictly speaking, the distance between the two holes corresponds to the distance between the two pins 242, so that the locking device can move, position and fix the pack inside the chamber 22 while opening the openable area 104 while the fluid processing device 11 is moving upwards and while introducing fluid into the pack from the device 10 protruding inside the internal volume of the pack.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 103 are precisely positioned to accommodate the pins of the looking device. Preferably, the holes are circular.

[0094] The pack 10 may be provided with a readable code 102 at the bottom end, and the module 1 may be provided with a code reader inside or near the chamber 22 .

[0095] In a preferred embodiment of the pack shown in Figure 5, the openable area 104 of the pack may comprise an internal piece of reinforcing material 1040. This reinforcing material has the advantage of defining a plane around the flexible openable area 104, which facilitates the introduction of the fluid treatment device 11 inside the pack.

[0096] Typically, the piece of reinforcing material comprises an opening which is closed by a pierceable material defining an openable area 104 .

[0097] In general, it is preferred that the openings in the pieces of reinforcement material and cross-sections of the fluid treatment devices have a circular shape as shown in the figures.

[0098] Preferably, the diameter of the opening in the reinforcing material is about 1 mm larger than the diameter (d) of the cross-section of the fluid processing device, which cross-section corresponds to the portion of the opening in the reinforcing material piece that is located when the fluid processing device 11 protrudes inside the internal volume of the pack as shown in Figures 4A and 6B to introduce fluid.

[0099] Figures 6A and 6B show the cooperation between the fluid handling device 11 and the openable area of ​​the pack.

[0100] Figure 6A shows the fluid processing device 11 positioned below the bottom surface of a pack held in a pack holder in a non-operating position, and Figure 6B shows the fluid processing device 11 having been moved through the openable area by an actuator and positioned in an operating position.

[0101] In these figures, the bottom surface of the pack is illustrated according to a preferred embodiment, furthermore, other bottom surfaces may be implemented, including an extensible, pierceable, openable area 104.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface is an outer primary sheet 4 of a first material, the outer primary sheet 4 being provided with first openings 41 in the openable areas; an intermediate secondary sheet 5 of a second material, covering the first opening 41; and an internal part 1040 of a third reinforcement material, the internal part 1040 having a second opening 1041 facing the first opening 41. The first opening 41 and the second opening 1041 are generally aligned.

[0103] Preferably, the size of the first opening 41 and the second opening 1041 is slightly larger than the size of the cross section (d) of the fluid treatment device, so that the fluid treatment device 11 can pass through both of these openings 41, 1041, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0104] Preferably, when the fluid treatment device and second opening 1041 are circular in shape, the diameter of the second opening 1041 and the cross-sectional diameter d of the fluid treatment device may differ by about 1 mm.

[0105] Preferably, the diameter of the first opening 41 and the cross-sectional diameter d of the fluid treatment device may differ by about 1 mm.

[0106] Specifically, the above value (1 mm) is applied when the cross-sectional diameter d of the fluid processing device is 5 to 15 mm, preferably 5 to 12 mm, and even more preferably 6 to 10 mm.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6B, while the fluid treatment device 11 moves upwards through the openable area, the pointed end 113 passes through the second opening 1041 until the ends 111a, 112a of the conduits are located inside the interior volume of the pack. During this movement, the device perforates the intermediate secondary sheet 5. Due to the particular extensible properties of the intermediate secondary sheet 5, the perforated film extends along a portion of the outer surface of the device body when the fluid treatment device 11 is in the operating position, thereby preventing liquid from dripping between the outer surface of the body of the fluid treatment device and the edges of the openings 41, 1041.

[0108] The film material of the intermediate secondary sheet 5 is perforable and stretchable. If the film material is too easily pierceable before it is stretched, there is the disadvantage that the upper end 113 of the fluid processing device pierces the openable area before the cylindrical portion 114 of the body is positioned inside over the holes 41, 141, and the beverage ingredients stored in the pack leak through the holes during the piercing operation. If the film is too stretchable and cannot be easily pierced, there is a risk that either the openable area 104 will not be pierced and the sharp end 113 will remain covered by the film, or the openable area will be pierced but the stretched film will completely or partially cover at least one end 111a, 112a of the conduit, thus preventing normal beverage preparation. These properties need to be optimally balanced.

[0109] Thus, the film material 5 is moved upwardly through the openable area 104 by the fluid treatment device 11 while the fluid treatment device 11 is moving upwardly through the openable area 104. First, the film material is stretched by the sharp end 113 of the fluid treatment device without being perforated; Then, when the pointed end is completely inside the pack (preferably the entire conical end with the preferred shape embodiment shown), the stretched film material is perforated. It has a ratio of perforable to extensible properties.

[0110] Thus, there is no risk of beverage ingredients leaking when the fluid processing device starts to move in the openable area, and there is less risk of the stretched film covering the end of the conduit when it finishes moving.

[0111] This ratio between the pierceable and extensible properties of the film material 5 depends on the following facts: With two internal conduits 111, 112 for different fluids, the fluid processing device 11 is rather large. For at least this reason, as mentioned above, the diameter of the device is at least 5 mm; In the operating position (FIG. 6B), the fluid treatment device 11 is deep inside the pack so that both the inlet conduit end 111a and the outlet conduit end 112a can be positioned inside the pack above the openable area, and these ends 111a, 112a are not covered by the stretched film material. In this operating position, the pointed end 114 of the fluid treatment device extends about 10 mm, preferably 13 mm, above the openable area (as shown by the length h in FIG. 6B); must be taken into consideration.

[0112] As a result, the film material must be able to stretch around this large diameter of the body of the processor while the processor extends deep into the pack above the membrane.

[0113] Figure 7 shows a line for producing packs according to the invention using a forming machine, which is based on a prior art forming and sealing technology machine.

[0114] A sheet 4 of first material is removed from a roll, which already has first openings 41 punched in the areas corresponding to the future individual blank sheets of each pack. In an alternative embodiment, the first openings 41 can be punched from a flat roll of first material on the production line.

[0115] In an earlier step not shown, an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and a perforated piece of a third reinforcing material are co-laminated to form a reinforcing piece 6. In the production line, one cut reinforcing piece 6 is attached around each of the first openings 41 in the sheet 4 (step b).

[0116] The sheet 4 is then cut into individual blank sheets containing one first hole 41 covered by a reinforcing component 6 .

[0117] The individual blank sheets are folded, shaped and sealed around their side edges to form U-shaped packs (step d), the U-shaped packs are filled with beverage ingredients (step e), and finally the top edge of the pack is sealed (step e). EXAMPLES

[0118] Three different types of materials were tested for use as the intermediate secondary sheet material in the packs shown in Figures 5 and 6A.

[0119] In these different packs, The first material of the outer primary sheet 4 is paper (80 g / m2) having a barrier coating against air and moisture (metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film with a thickness of 16 μm) and a sealant layer (polyethylene film with a thickness of 30 μm) which seals the edges 106, 107 during pack formation and allows heat sealing with the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet. 2 ) and The third material reinforcing element 1040 has a strength of 130 g / m 2 and a paper having a basis weight of 10 g / m2 to enable heat sealing of the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet. 2 The material was a multi-layer material with a polyethylene film having a basis weight of 100 g.

[0120] Regarding the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet: A metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film having a thickness of 16 μm (BOPPMet16), A multilayer film of a metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film having a thickness of 18 μm and a polyethylene film having a thickness of 30 μm (BOPPMet18 / PE30), and A metallized polyethylene film having a thickness of 38 μm (PEMet38), Films of three different materials were tested.

[0121] Films of these three materials have different mechanical properties, summarized in Tables A and B. These measurements were performed at room temperature on several samples of each film according to ASTM D 882.

[0122] [Table 1]

[0123] [Table 2]

[0124] These films can be used to manufacture packs and filled with soluble milk powder, which can then be introduced into a beverage machine as shown in Figure 1, which is equipped with fluid processing devices as shown in Figures 2A, 2B to produce milk.

[0125] Based on these measurements, the packs can exhibit the following characteristics: In packs containing BOPPMet16 as the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet, this sheet breaks as soon as the sharp edge of the fluid handling is pressed against it, with some milk powder falling out at the same time. In packs including PEMet38 as the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet, the sheet is not pierced by the sharp edges of the fluid handling devices due to its highly extensible properties. In packs including BOPPMet18 / PE30 as the second material of the intermediate secondary sheet, the sheet is stretched with a pointed end and then perforated once the end is inside the interior volume of the pack, and the perforated sheet is then left stretched around the cylindrical body of the fluid treatment device to prevent liquid from dripping downwards.

[0126] Preferably, this intermediate secondary sheet is capable of having a puncture force of 5-8 N during the performance of the test method according to EN 14477 using a fluid treatment device with a cone-shaped end.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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]

[0130] 100 Systems 1 Module 11 Fluid treatment equipment 111 Inlet conduit 111a Inlet conduit end 112 Outlet conduit 112a Outlet conduit end 113 Main body tip 114 Main body cylindrical part 12 Actuating device 13 Fluid source 14 Pump means 15 Heating and / or cooling means 16 System Control Unit 2 Pack Holder Assembly 22 Pack Chamber 221 Bottom opening 222 Pack Entrance 24 Locking device 242 Placement means 10 Pack 101 Bottom 102 Code 103 holes 104 Openable area 1040 Reinforcement material parts 1041 Second opening 105 Front wall, back wall 106, 107, 1051 Edge 4 Primary Sheet 41 First opening 5 Secondary Sheet 6 Co-laminated reinforcement parts

Claims

1. A beverage preparation system comprising a pack (10) and a module (1) for preparing a beverage from said pack, The pack (10) contains a beverage ingredient, the ingredient being configured to be mixed with a fluid to produce a beverage, the pack having a planar shape along a plane (P), the pack having a bottom surface (101), the bottom surface (101) of the pack having an area (104) configured to be openable, The module (1), a pack holder assembly (2) adapted to hold the pack in an essentially vertical position inside the module; A fluid treatment device (11) comprising a body, the body comprising: An upwardly pointed end (113); at least one internal inlet conduit (111) for introducing a fluid into the pack for preparing a beverage by mixing said fluid with ingredients contained within the pack; at least one internal outlet conduit (112) for dispensing said beverage from said pack; A fluid treatment device (11) comprising: an actuator (12) for moving the fluid treatment device (11) and the pack (10) relative to one another and placing the fluid treatment device (11) and the pack (10) relative to one another in an operating position such that the upwardly pointed end (114) opens the openable area (104) of the bottom surface (101) of the pack, wherein in the operating position a part of the fluid treatment device (11) comprising the pointed end projects inside an internal volume of the pack for introducing the fluid through an inlet and dispensing the beverage through an outlet; Equipped with the openable area (104) of the pack is made of a film of material, and while the fluid treatment device is moving upwardly through the openable area (104), the film of material is first stretchable around the upwardly pointed end (114) and then pierceable by the upwardly pointed end; Beverage production system.

2. The bottom surface (101) of the pack an outer primary sheet (4) of a first material, the outer primary sheet (4) being provided with a first opening (41) in said openable area; an intermediate secondary sheet (5) of a second material, covering said first opening (41); an internal part (1040) of a third reinforcing material, the internal part (1040) comprising a second opening (1041), said second opening facing said first opening; Equipped with the intermediate secondary sheet defines the openable area (104); The beverage production system of claim 1 .

3. 3. The beverage production system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second material is included in the list of polymers including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch-based polymers, food-grade oxygen absorbers and / or desiccant absorbers, or combinations thereof.

4. A beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein for said intermediate secondary sheet the elongation at break along the machine direction is more than 80% and less than 160%, preferably between 100% and 140%.

5. A beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate secondary sheet has a tensile modulus along the machine direction of more than 800 MPa and less than 1500 MPa.

6. A beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intermediate secondary sheet has a tensile strength along the machine direction of more than 30 MPa and less than 60 MPa.

7. the intermediate secondary sheet is a multilayer polymeric film, the film comprising: a first polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction of less than 50%; a second polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction greater than 160%; A beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

8. the intermediate secondary sheet is a multilayer polymeric film; the first layer of the film is a polyethylene film; the second layer of the film is a metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film; A beverage preparation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. A beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid processing device has a circular cross-section and the diameter of the fluid processing device is at least 5 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, preferably between 5 and 12 mm, more preferably between 6 and 10 mm.

10. A beverage production system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the operating position, the pointed end (113) of the fluid handling device extends approximately 10 mm, preferably 13 mm above the openable area of ​​the pack.

11. 1. A pack containing beverage ingredients and configured for preparing a beverage by injecting a fluid therein, comprising: the beverage ingredient is a soluble, dilutable, or insoluble beverage ingredient; The pack comprises: a planar shape along a plane (P) that is vertical during beverage production; A bottom surface (101) including an area (104) configured to be openable; Equipped with The bottom surface (101) of the pack an outer primary sheet of a first material, the outer primary sheet having a first opening in said openable area; an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material covering the first opening; and an internal piece of a third reinforcing material, the internal piece having a second opening, the second opening facing the first opening; Equipped with the intermediate secondary sheet defines the openable area; For said intermediate secondary sheet, the elongation at break along the machine direction is greater than 80% and less than 160%, preferably between 100% and 140%; pack.

12. 12. A pack according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate secondary sheet has a tensile modulus along the machine direction of greater than 800 MPa and less than 1500 MPa.

13. 13. A pack according to claim 11 or 12, wherein for the intermediate secondary sheet, the tensile strength along the machine direction is greater than 30 MPa and less than 60 MPa.

14. the intermediate secondary sheet is a multilayer polymeric film, the film comprising: a first polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction of less than 50%; a second polymer-based layer having an elongation at break along the machine direction of greater than 160%; 14. The pack of claim 13.

15. the intermediate secondary sheet is a multilayer polymeric film; the first polymer-based layer of the multilayer polymer film is a metallized biaxially oriented PP film; the second polymer-based layer of the multilayer polymer is a PE film; 15. The pack of claim 14.

16. A method for producing a pack according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising the steps of: a) drilling a plurality of first holes in a sheet of a first material; b) attaching an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and a piece of a third reinforcement material with a second hole around each first hole, with the second hole facing the first hole; c) cutting said sheet of a first material into individual blank sheets of a first material, each blank sheet including one first hole covered by an intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and a perforated piece of a third reinforcing material; d) folding and shaping the individual blank sheets and sealing the side edges of the sheets to form U-shaped packs; e) filling the U-shaped pack with beverage ingredients and sealing the top edge of the pack; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein in step b), the intermediate secondary sheet of second material and the perforated piece of third reinforcing material form a co-laminated single reinforcing piece prior to attaching said material to each first hole in said sheet of first material.

18. The co-laminated single reinforcing part is drilling a plurality of second holes in the third sheet of reinforcement material; and laminating the intermediate secondary sheet of a second material and the perforated sheet of a third reinforcing material to form a laminated reinforcing material; and Cutting the co-laminated sheet into a plurality of pieces, each piece including one second hole. The method of claim 17, wherein the compound is produced by

19. Use of a pack according to any one of claims 11 to 15 in a beverage production system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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