Beverage Pod System

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients from a pod (3), said device comprising an upstream pod enclosing part (2) and a downstream pod enclosing part (1) movable between an open position for inserting and removing the pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (5), in which in the upstream pod enclosing part a cage (21) comprises a side wall (211) movable between an open position and a closed position and an end wall (22) having a front surface (22a) supporting a piercing element (222) and a liquid outlet opening (223), said end wall being movable inside the side wall, in the open position for inserting and removing the pod said end wall is located at the open front end (214) of the side wall and is freely movable in the direction of the rear end (213), in the course of movement of the upstream enclosing part from the open position to the closed position the free movement of the end wall is automatically mechanically prevented when the chamber upstream enclosing part reaches a predetermined position.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Single-serving containers for the automated preparation of beverages include various types of containers that can be brewed according to various types of systems, in which the container is introduced into the system by a user, enclosed in a chamber for carrying out the brewing process, and then removed from the chamber, and the chamber has two parts that are configured to be separated during introduction of the container and then moved towards each other to form a brewing chamber around the container for brewing the beverage.

[0003] Some of these systems, such as those described in WO 2020 / 089404, are capable of accepting and extracting containers of different sizes. In such machines, the two chamber sections can be moved relative to one another by a motor to enclose the container. The movement of the motor is based on the recognition of the size of the container that is introduced into the system based on said size identification.

[0004] To reduce manufacturing costs and the energy used during beverage preparation, there is a need for a system that can automatically handle different sized containers without the use of a motor.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to address at least the above-mentioned existing problems.

[0006] These problems are solved by the spirit of claims 1-16. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for extracting beverage ingredients by dispensing an extracting liquid into a pod, comprising: The pod is a pod body having side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber, the chamber extending axially between the bottom and a top opening; and an upper lid that closes the upper opening of the pod body.

[0008] The extraction device comprises an upstream pod surrounding portion and a downstream pod surrounding portion, at least the upstream surrounding portion being movable, preferably translatable, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and removing the pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber that surrounds the pod during extraction.

[0009] The upstream portion defines a cage and includes a piercing element for piercing the bottom wall of the pod and a liquid outlet opening.

[0010] The downstream portion defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), which plate is provided with a downstream planar perforation mechanism for opening the lid of the pod.

[0011] The extraction device includes a pod holder configured to hold a pod between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion when the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion are in an open position, the holder configured to hold a pod lid in front of the downstream planar piercing mechanism.

[0012] The pod holder can be positioned between the upstream and downstream enclosing portions to receive a pod inserted between the two enclosing portions when the two enclosing portions are in the open position. Such a pod holder can be retracted to release the pod so that it is enclosed by the two enclosing portions when the two enclosing portions are in the closed position. For example, WO 2005 / 004683 or WO 2007 / 134960 illustrate such a type of pod holder.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the pod holder can be completely removable and detachable from the extraction device and can be sandwiched between the two enclosing parts when the parts are in the closed position, as described in more detail below.

[0014] In the upstream pod-enclosing portion, the cage has a sidewall extending along the cage longitudinal axis between open front and rear ends, the sidewall being movable between open and closed positions, and generally having a length greater than the maximum height of all the different pods usable in the extraction device.

[0015] The cage includes an end wall transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cage, the end wall having a front surface supporting the piercing element and the liquid outlet opening, the end wall being movable inside the side wall so that the interior volume of the cage can be adjusted to accommodate different depth sizes of the pods.

[0016] The perforating elements of the upstream surrounding portion are raised from the front surface by a perforation height. In addition, In the open position for inserting and removing pods, this end wall is located at the open front end of the cage and is freely movable towards the rear end.

[0017] In the process of moving the upstream enclosing portion from the open position to the closed position, when the chamber upstream enclosing portion reaches a predetermined position, the end wall is mechanically prevented from free movement.

[0018] Thus, when a pod is placed between two enclosure sections and the sections are closing, the end wall can move freely within the side wall as soon as it contacts the pod during the first part of the closing operation, allowing the cage's internal volume to adjust to the pod's depth. Then, during the first part of the closing operation, i.e., when the upstream enclosure section reaches a predetermined position, the movement of the end wall is automatically mechanically prevented. As a result, during the final part of the upstream enclosure section's movement, the piercing element of the upstream enclosure section, which protrudes from the front surface of the end wall, can pierce the pod.

[0019] Generally, this predetermined position of the upstream enclosing portion (with the end wall blocked) is midway between the open and closed positions of the upstream enclosing portion.

[0020] Preferably, this predetermined position of the upstream surrounding portion is defined such that when the chamber upstream surrounding portion reaches the predetermined position, the piercing element abuts against a surface of the pod.

[0021] These perforating elements are therefore well positioned to optimally perforate the bottom wall of the pod in the final part of the course of the upstream enveloping section.

[0022] Preferably, the end wall is provided with a rod extending from the rear surface of the end wall, which rod can be mechanically blocked, preferably clamped, when the chamber upstream surrounding portion reaches a predetermined position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the rod may be mechanically blocked by jaw means that can be clamped around the rod.

[0024] Preferably, the clamping action of the jaw means may be arranged to be triggered by a lever, the lever being actuated by movement of the upstream surrounding portion, in particular when said parts have reached a predetermined position.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the lever may be mounted on a movable chassis of the upstream enclosing portion and configured to be held and locked by a fixed portion of the extraction device, such as a fixed chassis of the extraction device.

[0026] Preferably, the front face of the end wall of the cage carries pins extending from the surface of the front face by at least a pin height greater than the piercing height of the piercing elements, the pins being retractable inside the end wall.

[0027] The pins provide an interaction between the bottom surface of the pod and the end wall, allowing adjustment of the cage's internal volume before the end wall is mechanically blocked.

[0028] The pin is retractable to permit drilling when the end wall is blocked and the closed position of the enclosing portion is reached.

[0029] Preferably, when the chamber upstream surrounding portion reaches a predetermined position, the distance between the two surrounding portions forming the extraction chamber corresponds to the height of the pin extending from the front surface of the end wall.

[0030] This final distance therefore allows for the formation of the brewing chamber and the perforation of the bottom wall.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the extraction device comprises: a removable pod holder, the removable pod holder having a pod receiving hole for receiving and holding a pod; an upper insertion section configured to introduce the pod holder into the device, the upper insertion section providing a path for guiding the pod holder into the extraction region between the enclosing portions and for positioning the pod lid in front of the downstream enclosing portion.

[0032] Additionally, the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion enclose the pod holder in the closed position.

[0033] This removable pod holder provides the effect of retaining the pod inside the brewing chamber during the brewing operation, so that the chamber does not need to be equipped with an additional complex pod holder for receiving and ejecting the pod, which allows the chamber design to be kept simple and inexpensive.

[0034] The pod holder can be manually introduced into and removed from the brewing device, saving costs in manufacturing and use.

[0035] The ability to manually operate the pod holder allows for the conception of a beverage machine that has no bins and no means of transferring the pods to the bins after preparation, making the machine smaller and less expensive.

[0036] Preferably, the pod holder is completely removable from the brewing device, so that when the pod holder is outside the brewing device, a user can easily introduce a pod into the holder, and after brewing, the user can easily transport the pod holder in the holder to a bin.

[0037] Typically, the upper insertion section is configured to introduce the holder vertically from the top of the device, and the pod receiving hole and upper insertion section are configured to position the pod lid vertically when the removable pod holder is placed within the device.

[0038] Preferably, the pod holder comprises orientation means for correctly orienting the pod inside the holder and then inside the extraction device, in particular taking into account the downstream or upstream portion depending on the configuration of the pod.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the orienting means is configured to orient the pod lid so that it faces either the downstream portion or the upstream portion depending on the configuration of the pod.

[0040] Such an orientation means can be a special design of the insertion path of the holder and extraction device that forces the user to position the pod and pod holder in only one way.

[0041] Preferably, the movement of the upstream and downstream enclosing portions relative to each other is linear, which is preferably translational. Preferably, the introduction and removal of the pod holder is also linear, preferably perpendicular to the linear movement of the enclosing portions.

[0042] As a result, the dimensions of the extraction device can be kept small.

[0043] Generally, the holder and its hole are designed so that when a pod is placed in the hole, at least a portion of the lid and at least a portion of the bottom of the pod are not covered or enclosed by the pod holder, but remain accessible for piercing by the downstream pod enclosing portion and the upstream pod enclosing portion during beverage preparation. In addition, the hole is designed to accommodate a variety of pods with different depth sizes, particularly different sidewall heights. Therefore, it is preferred that the hole is configured so as not to cover the bottom wall of the pod at all.

[0044] Preferably, the entire surface of the lid and the bottom of the pod body is not covered by the holder.

[0045] These portions therefore remain fully accessible by the piercing elements of the extraction device.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the upper insertion section includes a path for guiding the pod holder to the extraction region between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion, and the extraction device includes a holder stopper for stopping the pod holder at a temporary intermediate position within the path.

[0047] This temporary intermediate position may be configured to allow a user to load a pod holder into the device and then have the holder automatically moved further into the brewing chamber formed by the upstream and downstream enclosing portions.

[0048] This intermediate position makes it possible to avoid incorrect or inaccurate manual introduction into the core of the extraction device.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the extraction device may comprise a recognition device configured to recognize or identify the pod held in the pod holder when the pod holder is in a temporary intermediate position. To provide the process control unit of the brewing device with information about beverage preparation (e.g., correct pod, optimal recipe), or To stop the preparation and warn the user via the display if an error is identified (a pod already extracted has not been removed from the pod holder), This allows for a recognition step, for example by an optical reader: the user can immediately remove the holder and check the pod inside the holder.

[0050] Preferably, the brewing device comprises an actuator for moving the pod holder to the brewing area between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion, and the actuation means is preferably manually operated, such as a handle, so that the machine can be operated directly manually when loading pods with the pod holder, and then indirectly using the handle to move the pod holder to the brewing area.

[0051] Preferably, the actuator comprises: to the holder stopper, such that when the actuator is operated, the holder stopper is configured to drive the pot holder between an intermediate position and a brewing region; and a housing for moving said upstream surrounding portion between an open position and a closed position, said housing comprising: Kinematically coupled.

[0052] The actuation means is the pod holder is positioned in the extraction area between the two enclosing portions before the two enclosing portions enclose the pod; and The relative movement of the upstream and downstream portions and the movement of the pod holder may be arranged to be coordinated so that at least one, preferably both, of the surrounding portions is moved away from the pod before the pod holder is removed from the extraction region.

[0053] Preferably, each of the downstream and upstream portions is movable between a respective open position for inserting and / or removing the pod holder and a respective closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod holder during brewing.

[0054] In many cases, following beverage extraction, it is preferred that the upstream and surrounding portions move to and from the pod, respectively, since portions of the lid or bottom of the pod body may remain engaged with piercing elements protruding from the upstream and surrounding portions, which movement of the surrounding portions allows the pod holder to disengage from the pod and be safely removed.

[0055] Preferably, the actuation means is arranged to move each of the upstream and downstream portions between their open and closed positions.

[0056] Preferably, when the pot holder is in the extraction region and the upstream and downstream enclosing portions are in the closed position, the periphery of the receiving hole of the pot holder is sandwiched between the upstream and downstream enclosing portions.

[0057] Preferably, the pod holder includes a plate having a hole for receiving the pod, the plate having a front surface and a rear surface, and a seal covering the entire front surface and rear surface of the pod holder around the receiving hole.

[0058] The holder therefore contributes to the airtightness of the brewing chamber during beverage preparation.

[0059] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device as described above.

[0060] Generally, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream surrounding part, the liquid supply system comprising: a liquid supply unit such as a liquid tank; pump means for driving liquid from the liquid supply to the extraction device; Heating and / or cooling means may be provided to suitably adjust the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pod.

[0061] The liquid is usually water.

[0062] Typically, the beverage machine comprises at least a control unit configured to control the supply of liquid to the extraction device, and the control unit may be configured to control the recognition operation of the recognition device, if present, or to display information to the user.

[0063] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a brewing device as described above and a plurality of pods of different sizes, or a beverage preparation machine as described above and a plurality of pods of different sizes, Each of the above pods: a pod body including side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber; an upper lid for closing an upper opening of the pod body; The pods have sidewalls with different depth sizes.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, there is provided the use of a set of different pods in an extraction device as described above, or in a beverage machine as described above, or in a system as described above, the pods having different sidewall depth sizes. In this application: The term "pod" is used to broadly refer to 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 limiting the shape of the container, particularly the shape of the body, or the type of perforation means required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0065] The term "longitudinally" refers to the orientation and movement of the two enclosing parts relative to each other along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0066] The terms "vertically," "upwardly," and "downwardly" refer to the movement of the pod in the brewing device from its introduction between two enclosing parts to its removal therefrom. The terms "upper" and "lower" also refer to this vertical axis.

[0067] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of liquid through the extraction device from the upstream enclosure to the downstream enclosure.

[0068] Generally, these terms are used to describe the relative placement of features of the brewing device and should be understood to refer to the device in its normal orientation when placed in a beverage preparation machine to produce a beverage, as shown in Figures 2A, 2E, and 4A-4H.

[0069] The above-described 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-described 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0070] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0071] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] 1A-1C show different perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1A-1C show different perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1C] 1A-1C show different perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B are side and top views, respectively, of a brewing device according to the invention, with the pod holder removed from the brewing device; [Figure 2B] 2B and 2C are perspective views of several separated portions of the extraction device of FIG. 2A, respectively. [Figure 2C] 2B and 2C are perspective views of several separated portions of the extraction device of FIG. 2A, respectively. [Figure 2D] 2A and 2B are side and top views, respectively, of a brewing device according to the invention, with the pod holder removed from the brewing device; [Figure 2E] 2B is a side view of the extraction device of FIG. 2A with a pod holder enclosed therein. [Figure 2F] Figure 2G is a perspective view of an upstream surrounding portion separated from the extraction device of Figure 2F. [Figure 2G] 2B and 2F, respectively. [Figure 2H] 2G and 2I, respectively. [Figure 2I] 2B and 2F, respectively. [Figure 2J] 2G and 2I, respectively. [Figure 2K] FIG. 10 is an isolated view of the mechanism for preventing movement of the endplate. [Figure 2L] FIG. 10 is an isolated view of the mechanism for preventing movement of the endplate. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a front view of the holder holding the pod. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the holder holding the pod. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the holder without the pod. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the holder holding the pod. [Figure 4A] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4C] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4C1] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4C2] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4D] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4D1] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4D2] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4E] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4E1] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4E2] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4F] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4G] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4H]10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps in the movement of the two enclosing parts from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 5A] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps of introducing the pod holder into the extraction device. [Figure 5B] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps of introducing the pod holder into the extraction device. [Figure 5C] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views showing steps of introducing the pod holder into the extraction device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a fluid system of an extraction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] Figure 1A (perspective view) and Figure 1B (exploded view) illustrate pods 3, 3' that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 1A (perspective view) and Figure 1B (exploded view) illustrate a pod 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0074] The pod 3 comprises a pod body 31 having a side wall 311 extending axially upward from a bottom wall 313. The side wall 311 extends toward an upper opening 312. At the upper opening 312, the body comprises a peripheral annular flange 314 extending radially outward from the side wall 311 along the periphery of the opening 312.

[0075] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0076] Generally, any transverse cross section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0077] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0078] The beverage ingredient is preferably an ingredient that can be brewed, such as roast and ground coffee.

[0079] In a second preferred method, the beverage ingredient may be tea leaves or a water-soluble powder ingredient such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, creamer powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of these powders, or a soluble liquid ingredient or even a beverage concentrate such as a syrup or a milk concentrate. The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

[0080] The capsule includes a lid 32 that is secured, sealed, or attached to at least a portion of the upper surface 3142 of the peripheral flange, thus covering and closing the top opening 312 .

[0081] A machine-readable code 34 may be located on the lid. This code may be the nature of the beverage ingredients; Pod depth size, Regular pod, The brew recipe applied to the pod: fluid temperature, fluid volume, fluid flow rate, Various types of information can be provided, such as

[0082] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be perforated so that liquid can be poured into the pod through the perforated opening.

[0083] The lid 32 is adapted to be opened by relative engagement with a piercing device under the influence of an increase in liquid pressure inside the pod during the injection of liquid.

[0084] The pod shape is symmetrical about a central axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the lid, and the pod shape is asymmetrical about the plane and flange of the lid.

[0085] 1C illustrates another pod 3' that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention and differs from the pod 3 of FIG. 1A only in the depth size (along ZZ') of the pod body 31'. The pod body 31 of the large pod 3 defines an ingredient chamber having a larger volume than the pod body 31' of the small pod 3', and the side wall 311 is taller than the side wall 311'. The diameters of the lid 32' of the small pod and the lid 32 of the large pod are the same.

[0086] This difference in size allows for the preparation of different beverages, preferably different coffee beverages such as ristretto, espresso, lungo (long cup), americano, etc.

[0087] Sizes other than those shown may be provided, such as intermediate sizes.

[0088] The machine readable code 34 may store information regarding the size of the pod.

[0089] The extraction device of the present invention can be adapted to use alternative containers to those described above, provided that the container comprises a body defining a chamber and a lid for closing the chamber. The two enclosing parts simply need to have an internal shape that matches the container.

[0090] For example, the container can be a frusto-conical capsule made of aluminum or plastic.

[0091] Figure 2A is a side view of an inventive brewing device 10, comprising an upstream pod enclosing part 2 and a downstream pod enclosing part 1, which are relatively translatable along a longitudinal axis XX'. Typically, this axis XX' is essentially horizontal. In Figure 2A, these two parts are in an open position, adapted to receive a pod for brewing. These two enclosing parts are supported by a chassis 9 and can be moved from said open position to a closed position by actuating a handle 8, which is connected to these enclosing parts by an associated knee lever system 81.

[0092] In this particular embodiment, the device comprises a pod holder 6 for holding a pod 3. This holder is fully removable from the extraction device and is shown outside the chassis in Figure 2A, when it is ready for an insertion operation between the enclosing parts or at the end of said operation while removing an extracted pod from the extraction device. The pod is introduced through an insertion section 4 arranged above the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0093] In other embodiments, the pods can be introduced without the use of a removable pod holder, for example the pods can be introduced directly inside the insertion section and the downstream part 1 located below the path 41 can be provided with a local pod holder for holding the pod between the two surrounding parts.

[0094] 2B and 2C are perspective and separated views of the two pod enclosing portions 1, 2 and the pod holder 6 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2A.

[0095] The downstream portion 1 comprises a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX', which comprises a central downstream planar piercing mechanism 12 for opening the pod lid 32 when brewing liquid is introduced into the interior of the pod, causing the lid to expand.

[0096] Typically, this central downstream planar perforating mechanism 12 is circular like the lid of a pod.

[0097] The opening occurs when the spikes engage the lid under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod body chamber. This downstream planar perforation mechanism may comprise a rigid plate provided on its surface facing the lid with opening elements 121, such as spikes, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with truncated ends. In addition, the plate comprises transverse holes for discharging the beverage dispensed from the opened lid to a beverage outlet 14, such as a tube or nozzle, which collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0098] The plate comprises a peripheral area 13 around the perforation device 12 .

[0099] The upstream portion 2 defines a cage 21, a cavity for enclosing the pod body, which has an interior volume that is adjustable, as detailed below in Figures 3A-3D.

[0100] The top view of the extraction device in Figure 2D shows the pod holder insertion section 4 provided in the chassis 9. This insertion section 4 is designed to allow the pod holder 6 to be introduced so that the lid 32 of the pod held in the holder is positioned in front of the downstream enclosure part 1.

[0101] As can be seen from this figure, the extraction device can be equipped with a code reader 7, which is arranged beside the insertion section and above the two enclosing parts 1, 2 and is configured to read the code on the capsules placed within the insertion section.

[0102] 2E and 2F show the extraction device of FIGS. 2A-2C, in which the pod 3 is enclosed between two enclosure parts 1, 2. FIG.

[0103] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the pod is supported by a pod holder 6, which is positioned between an upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and a downstream pod enclosing portion 1, and these two portions have been moved towards each other by actuating associated levers by means of a handle 8. In this position, the pod holder 6 is tightly sandwiched between the two enclosing portions 1, 2.

[0104] FIG. 2G shows the upstream surrounding portion 2 of FIG. 2B separated from the other elements.

[0105] The upstream part 2 is supported by a movable carrier 24 allowing it to move along an axis XX'.

[0106] The upstream portion 2 defines a cage 21, i.e., a cavity for enclosing the pod body. As explained below, the cage has an adjustable internal volume. A movable end wall 22 transverse to the cage's longitudinal axis XX' enables this adjustment. The end wall 22 supports perforation elements 222 for opening the bottom wall 313 of the pod body and liquid outlet openings 223 for supplying liquid into the pod through holes drilled in the bottom wall. These perforation elements can comprise perforators in the form of blades. These blades can be designed and positioned to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions are in their closed positions. The liquid outlet openings 223 can form a shower on the upstream wall of the cage, and the supplied liquid can be introduced into the pod through pre-drilled openings. A liquid inlet 226 on the rear side 22b of the end wall 22 supplies the fluid.

[0107] Since pods 2 of different depths can be introduced for extraction, the end wall 22 of the cage can be made movable to adjust the internal volume of the cage to fit the pod. When the two enclosing parts 1, 2 are in the open position, this end wall 22 is located at the open front end 214 of the side wall.

[0108] When the pod is introduced into the extraction device and the two enclosing parts 1, 2 are in the closed position, this end wall 22 is free to be moved by the pod in the direction of the rear end 213 of the side wall, as shown in FIG. 2I.

[0109] 2H and 2J are cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2G and 2I, respectively, illustrating the movement of end wall 22. FIG.

[0110] End wall 22 includes a rod 224 extending from its rear surface 22b. This rod 224 of the end wall is free to move when the enclosure begins to move from the open position to the closed position. During this movement, therefore, a pin 225 protruding from the front end 22a of the front wall contacts the bottom wall of the pod, which is located between the two open enclosure portions, and this bottom wall pushes the end wall back inside the side walls 211 toward the rear end 213.

[0111] During the movement from the open position to the closed position, the rod 224 of the end wall is mechanically blocked at one preset position of the upstream part 2, fixing the relative position of the end wall 22 and the side wall 21 during the last part of the closing movement.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the rod 224 extending from the rear surface 22b of the end wall is provided with teeth 2241 that can engage with corresponding teeth 231 of jaws configured to clamp the rod 23 when a preset position is reached.

[0113] Movement of the jaws 23 can be actuated by a knee lever 25, which itself is controlled by movement of the upstream surrounding portion, as detailed below in Figures 2K and 2L.

[0114] 2K and 2L are isolated views of the mechanism that prevents movement of end plate 22. FIG.

[0115] The rod 224 is a longitudinal part that extends upstream from the rear surface of the end wall and has teeth 2241 on its upper and lower surfaces.

[0116] The upper and lower portions of the jaws 23 face these toothed surfaces, which have teeth 231 configured to be able to engage with the teeth 2241 of the rod.

[0117] The relative movement of these two jaws 23 and rod 224 is controlled by a knee lever 25, which is configured to move the jaws away from or into contact with the rod depending on the position of the rod. In Figure 2K, the knee lever 25 positions the two jaws 23 away from the rod 224, and the end wall 22 is free to move within the side wall of the upstream surrounding portion.

[0118] In FIG. 2L, the knee lever 25 closes the two jaws 23 around the rod 224 so that the teeth 2241, 231 are engaged and the end wall 22 is blocked within the side wall of the upstream surrounding portion.

[0119] Two knee lever springs 232 assist in moving the jaws from the clamped position to the free position.

[0120] The knee lever has a free end 252 that allows for controlled movement of the lever. Pulling or pushing on this end 252 clamps the jaws onto the rod or places them away from the rod.

[0121] Figures 3A-3C show a pod holder that may be used in the particular brewing device shown. As already mentioned, the brewing device according to the invention may also be implemented without such a pod holder.

[0122] Figure 3A is a front view of the pod holder 6 holding a pod 3, showing the front 641 of the pod holder where the pod lid 32 is located. Figure 3B shows the back 642 of the pod holder where the pod bottom 313 emerges. Figure 3C is a perspective view of the holder without a pod.

[0123] The pod holder 6 has a hole 61 in its front face 641 that is configured to receive the body 31 of the pod therethrough. The holder and its hole are designed such that when a pod 3 is placed in the hole 61, at least a portion of the pod's lid 32 and at least a portion of the bottom 313 are not covered or enclosed by the pod holder, but remain accessible for code reading and for piercing by the downstream and upstream pod enclosing portions during beverage preparation.

[0124] In the particular embodiment described above, the code 34 is provided over the entire surface of the lid and can be read from any part of the lid by a code reader.

[0125] Additionally, in the particular embodiment of the extraction device described above, the piercing elements 12, 222 of the downstream and upstream enclosing portions are configured to pierce a large surface of the lid 32 and the pod bottom 313, so that the holder does not have a shell covering the bottom of the pod body, which remains uncovered and accessible for piercing. Thus, multiple pods with different body heights, such as pods 3 or 3' shown in Figures 1A and 1C, can be received and held in the pod holder.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder can include several retention elements around the inner periphery of the hole, such as the short, flexible tongue 612 shown, which can maintain the pod inside the holder by friction when the pod holder is manipulated by a user and introduced vertically inside the insertion section.

[0127] The handle 63 facilitates handling by the user, in particular by forcing the user to position the handle upwards while introducing the pod holder into the insertion section, i.e., orient the holder so that the lid 32 is in front of the downstream part 1 and the pod bottom 313 is in the form of the upstream part 2.

[0128] As shown in Figure 3D, the shape of the bottom 643 of the pod holder is asymmetrical, exactly like the shape of the insert section 4, thus forcing the user to position the pod precisely between the upstream portion and the surrounding portion, as described above in connection with Figure 2D.

[0129] 4A to 4H show the movement of the two enclosing parts 1, 2 during beverage preparation.

[0130] In Figure 4A, A pod holder 6 holding a pod 3 is introduced between the two enclosing parts 1, 2, and positions the pod 3 between these two enclosing parts in the open position. The pod holder 6 is well aligned along the longitudinal axis XX' between the two enclosing parts 1, 2. The pod lid 32 is positioned away from the downstream plate punching device 12 . The bottom wall 313 of the pod is spaced apart from the piercing elements 222 and pins 225 in the upstream end wall 12 . The rod 224 at the rear of the end wall is not clamped by the jaws 23, so the end wall 22 can move freely inside the side wall 21.

[0131] In Figure 4B, The user moves the handle 8 to the closed position as shown by arrow B. Due to an interlocking system of levers 81 between the handle 8 and the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing portion 2, this upstream portion begins to move towards the downstream portion 1 as shown by arrow C. In the preferred embodiment shown, the downstream pod enclosing portion 2 is also moving towards the upstream portion 1. The carrier 24 drives the entire downstream enclosing part assembly, including the piercing elements 222 and pins 225 in the upstream end wall 12, until in this step the piercing elements and pins reach and contact the bottom 313 of the pod. The pins 225 are configured to protrude from the surface of the front face 22a of the end wall by a height h, which is at least equal to the height that the piercing elements 222 protrude from the same surface. As a result, the pins 225 prevent piercing of the pod at this stage of the movement of the enclosing parts 1, 2. The pins 225 form the boundary between the bottom of the pod and the end wall 22.

[0132] In Figure 4C, The handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream surrounding part 1 continues to move across the downstream part 1 as shown by arrow C. In particular, the lever 25 of the jaw 23 has almost reached an abutment wall 91 which is part of the chassis 9 of the extraction device. Pod 3 prevents the end wall from moving further towards the downstream portion, so that the bottom of the pod presses against pin 225 and end wall 22, which slides freely inside side wall 21 as shown by arrow D.

[0133] 4C1 and 4C2 show similar positions of the two surrounding parts when a smaller pod 3' and a larger pod 3" are introduced into the extraction device. It can be seen that the movement of the end wall 22 adapts to the depth size of the pod.

[0134] In Figure 4D, The handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing part 1 continues to move across the downstream part 1 as shown by the arrow C. The lever 25 of the jaw 23 is just held by the abutment wall 91 and immediately locks, with the effect of tightening the jaw 23 around the rod 224 of the end wall. As a result, the movement of the end 22 inside the side wall 21 is stopped and the size of the extraction cage is set to the depth size of the pod introduced into the extraction device. The brewing chamber is not yet closed, as the front end 214 of the side wall has not yet reached the downstream part 2. At that step, the final distance to be covered by the upstream surrounding part to close the chamber allows the brewing chamber to be closed and the bottom of the pod to be pierced at the same time.

[0135] 4D1 and 4D2 show a similar position of two enclosing parts with a smaller pod 3' and a larger pod 3". It can be seen that the end walls 22 are stopped in the same predetermined positions on the carrier 24, but their relative position within the side walls 21 is adapted to the respective size of the pod.

[0136] In Figure 4E, The handle 8 reaches the closed position and covers the passage 41 of the insertion section. The downstream and upstream enclosing parts 1 and 2 and the holder 6 form a brewing chamber 5 (dotted line) that encloses the pod 3 . Since the end wall 22 of the upstream surrounding portion is fixed, the piercing element 222 was able to pierce the bottom 313 of the pod while the chamber was being closed. The pin 225 is retractable inside the end wall 22 due to the presence of a spring 2251.

[0137] 4D1 and 4D2 show a similar position of two enclosing parts with a smaller pod 3' and a larger pod 3". It can be seen that whatever the depth size of the pod, the bottom wall is correctly perforated by the perforation element 222. The preparation of a beverage can be initiated by introducing liquid through the liquid outlet 223 of the upstream surrounding portion.

[0138] 4F-4H illustrate the steps of removing the pod holder from the extraction device after the extraction operation of FIG. 4E. These steps are performed while the user pulls the handle 8 to open the extraction device, which is the exact opposite of the movements described in Figures 4C-4E.

[0139] In FIG. 4F, the user begins to pull the handle upwards, as shown by arrow E, which has the effect of moving the carrier 24 of the upstream surrounding portion 2 away from the pod holder 6 and downstream portion 2, as shown by arrow F. As the jaws 23 are still clamped onto the rod 224, the movement of the side wall 21 simultaneously drives the movement of the end wall 22, allowing the piercing element 222 to be withdrawn from the bottom of the pod. A spring 2251 pushes against the pin 225, which could aid in the removal of the piercing element 222 from the bottom 313 of the pod.

[0140] 4G, the user continues to pull the handle 8. The lever 25 of the jaw 23 is locked backward by another abutment wall 92, which has the effect of releasing the rod 224 of the end wall from the jaw 23. As a result, the end wall 22 remains stationary within the side wall 21 and follows the movement of the side wall while the side wall moves back along the direction of arrow F. The rear surface 22b of the end wall is provided with a projection 227 which is designed to engage an abutment wall 93 of the chassis of the device at the end of its movement in the direction of arrow F.

[0141] In Figure 4H, the handle 8 is fully open and both enclosure parts 1, 2 have reached their furthest positions. The projections 227 are engaged with the abutment walls 93 of the device chassis, so that the end walls 22 are free to move inside the side walls 21 and have been moved to the front ends 214 of the side walls.

[0142] 5A to 5D show the steps of introducing the pod holder 6 into the brewing device before the pod is placed in the brewing device as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0143] In Figure 5A, The handle 8 is in the open position, in which the handle: Do not cover the insert section 4, The two surrounding parts 1 and 2 are arranged apart from each other, The pod holder 6 is loaded with the pod 3 and is positioned above the insertion section 4, and is slid vertically inside the path 41 as indicated by arrow A.

[0144] In Figure 5B, After the pod holder 6 is introduced into the channel by the user, it is stopped at a temporary intermediate position inside the channel 41 by a stopper 42 against which the pod holder abuts. The downstream end 42a of the stopper 42 is located inside the channel 41 when the handle 8 is in the open position, and is configured to interact with the bottom 643 of the pod holder and to stop it from sliding downwards due to user operation. This intermediate position may allow for the operation of identifying or recognizing the pod by a recognition device 7 located in that part of the path 41 before the pod is further introduced between the enclosing parts 1, 2. This recognition device may obtain input information for further preparing a beverage from the recognized or identified pod. At the same time, the downstream end 42a of the stopper engages in a slot 644 designed through the bottom 643 of the holder, which makes it possible to automatically drive the pod holder 6 into its final lower position between the two enclosing parts 1, 2, as will be explained below.

[0145] In Figure 5C, The user begins to move the handle 8 as indicated by arrow B to the closed position. Due to an interlocking system of levers 81 between the handle 8 and the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing portion 2, this upstream portion begins to move in the direction of the downstream portion 1 as shown by arrow C. In the preferred embodiment shown, the downstream pod enclosing portion 2 is also moving in the direction of the upstream portion as shown by arrow G. The upstream end 42b of the holder stopper is connected to the movable carrier 24, and the upstream end 42b is engaged in a slot 241 of the carrier. Therefore, movement of the carrier 24 itself simultaneously causes movement of the stopper 42, as the stopper is engaged in a slot 644 of the pod holder 6. The slots 644, 241 in the pod holder 6 and the carrier 24, respectively, are designed so that movement of the upstream pod surrounding portion 2 into the downstream pod surrounding portion, i.e., closing of the brewing chamber, induces downward movement of the pod holder between the two surrounding portions 1, 2 before the two surrounding portions 1, 2 form the brewing chamber. When the handle reaches the position shown in Figure 4A above, The handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosing part 1 continues to move towards the downstream part 1 to close the brewing chamber. However, the design of the slot 241 followed by the upstream end 42b of the stopper in the carrier prevents the pod holder 6 from sliding downwards. In this step of closing the handle 8, the pod holder 6 is well aligned along the longitudinal axis XX' between the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0146] Figure 6 shows a fluid system 101 of a beverage machine equipped with an extraction device and configured to supply liquid to the upstream enclosing part 2. This system 101 may comprise a tank 1011 of fluid, typically water, a pump 1012 for pumping the fluid from the tank, and at least one device such as a heater 1013 and / or a cooler for appropriately adjusting the temperature of the fluid before it is dispensed into the upstream part 2.

[0147] The process control unit of the beverage machine 102 is configured to control the pump and heater when a beverage is ordered.

[0148] This unit 102 can be used to control the recognition device 7 or other controllable devices such as the display, if present.

[0149] While the invention has been described with reference to the above-described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed is in no way limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0150] Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

[0151] 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]

[0152] 10 Drinking Devices 1. Downstream Enclosure 12 Downstream plate drilling device 121 Spike 13 Surrounding Areas 2. Upstream Enclosure 21 Cage 211 Side wall 213 Rear end 214 Front end 22 End Wall 22a front 22b Back 222 Perforation Elements 223 Liquid outlet 224 Rod 2241 teeth 225 pins 2251 Spring 226 Liquid inlet 227 Protrusion 23 Joe 231 teeth 232 Spring 233 Support part 24 Career 25 Knee lever 251 Knee lever spring 252 Knee lever end 26 stickers 27 rear axle 3,3' pod 31, 31' Main body 311, 311' side wall 3111 Top edge 312 Upper opening 313 Bottom Wall 314 Annular flange 3141 Upper surface 3142 Lower surface 32 Lid 321 Annular Region 322 Peripheral Annular Region 33 Beverage ingredients 34 Machine-readable code 4 Insert Section 41 Routes 42 Holder stopper 5 Extraction Chamber 6 Removable Pod Holder 61 Pod receiving hole 611 Hole Surrounding Area 62 stickers 621 Ridge 7 Code Reader 8 Actuators 81 Interrelated Knee Levers 9 Chassis 91, 92, 93 Abutment wall

Claims

1. 1. A brewing device for extracting a beverage ingredient by supplying an extracting liquid into a pod, comprising: The pod (3) a pod body (31) having a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber, the chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top opening (312); and an upper cover (32) for closing the upper opening of the pod body. The device, an upstream pod enclosing part (2) and a downstream pod enclosing part (1), wherein at least the upstream enclosing part (2) is movable, preferably translatable, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and removing the pod (3) and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber (5) enclosing the pod during brewing, the upstream part (2) defines a cage (21) and is provided with a piercing element (222) for piercing the bottom wall (313) of the pod and with a liquid outlet opening (223), an upstream pod enclosing part (1) and a downstream pod enclosing part (2), the downstream part (1) defining a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate being provided with a downstream planar piercing mechanism (12) for opening the lid (32) of the pod; a pod holder configured to hold the pod between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion when the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion are in the open position, the pod holder configured to hold the lid (32) of the pod in front of the downstream planar drilling mechanism (12); In the upstream pod surrounding portion (1), the cage (21) a sidewall (211) extending along a cage longitudinal axis between an open front end (214) and a rear end (213), the sidewall (211) being movable between said open position and said closed position; an end wall (22) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cage, said end wall having a front surface (22a), said front surface supporting said piercing element (222) and said liquid outlet opening (223), said end wall (22) being movable inside said side wall (211); the perforation elements (222) are raised from the front surface by a perforation height; in the open position for insertion and removal of the pod (3), the end wall (22) is located at the open front end (214) of the side wall and is freely movable in the direction of the rear end (213); during the process of movement of the upstream enclosing part (2) from the open position to the closed position, when the upstream enclosing part (2) of the chamber reaches a predetermined position, the free movement of the end wall (22) is automatically mechanically prevented. Extraction device.

2. 2. The extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined position of the upstream surrounding part (2) is intermediate between the open position of the upstream surrounding part (2) and the closed position of the upstream surrounding part (2).

3. 3. The extraction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined position of the upstream surrounding portion (2) is defined such that the piercing element (222) abuts against a surface of the pod when the chamber upstream surrounding portion (2) reaches the predetermined position.

4. 4. The extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the end wall (22) is provided with a rod (224) extending from a rear surface (22a) of the end wall, the rod being mechanically blocked when the chamber upstream surrounding portion (2) reaches the predetermined position.

5. 5. Extraction device according to claim 4, wherein said rod is mechanically blocked by jaw means (23) which can be clamped around said rod (224).

6. 6. The extraction device according to claim 5, wherein the clamping action of the jaw means (23) is arranged to be caused by a lever (25), which is actuated by the movement of the upstream surrounding part 2, which is moved by a manually actuated handle (8).

7. 7. The extraction device according to claim 6, wherein the lever (25) is attached to a movable chassis (24) of the upstream surrounding part and is configured to be held and locked by a fixed part of the extraction device, such as the fixed chassis (9) of the extraction device.

8. An extraction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front face (22a) of the end wall of the cage supports a pin (225) extending from the surface of the front face, the pin being retractable inside the end wall.

9. 9. The extraction device according to claim 8, wherein when the chamber upstream surrounding portion (2) reaches the predetermined position, the distance between the two surrounding portions forming the extraction chamber corresponds to the height of the pin extending from the surface of the front side of the end wall.

10. The device, a removable pod holder (6) having a pod receiving hole (61) for receiving and holding the pod; an upper insertion section (4) configured for introducing the pod holder (6) into the device and comprising a path (41) for guiding the pod holder to the extraction area between the enclosure parts and for positioning the lid of the pod in front of the downstream enclosure part (1), in the closed position of the upstream pod enclosing part (2) and the downstream pod enclosing part (1), the upstream pod enclosing part (2) and the downstream pod enclosing part (1) enclose the pod holder (6); An extraction device according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. the upper insertion section (4) comprises a path (41) for guiding the pod holder to the extraction area between the upstream pod enclosing part (2) and the downstream pod enclosing part (1); the extraction device comprises a holder stopper (42) for stopping the pod holder (6) at a temporary intermediate position inside the path (41); 11. An extraction device according to claim 10.

12. The extraction device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the beverage device comprises an actuator (8) for moving the pod holder (6) to the extraction area between the upstream pod surrounding portion (2) and the downstream pod surrounding portion (1).

13. The actuator (8) to the holder stopper (42) such that, when the actuator (8) is operated, the holder stopper (42) is configured to drive the pod holder (61) between the intermediate position and the extraction area; at least the upstream enclosing part (2) for moving the upstream enclosing part between the open and closed positions of the upstream and downstream enclosing parts, The extraction device of claim 12 which is kinematically linked.

14. A beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A system comprising an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a plurality of pods of different depth sizes, or a beverage preparation machine according to claim 14 and a plurality of pods of different depth sizes, Each of said pods (3, 3') a pod body (31) having a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber; and an upper cover (32) for closing the upper opening of the pod body. The plurality of pods have different depth sizes of the side walls (311). system.

16. Use of a set of different pods (3, 3') differing in the depth size of the side walls (311) in a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or in a beverage machine according to claim 154 or in a system according to claim 15.

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