Beverage Pod System with Pod Recognition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extraction device for extracting beverage ingredients from a pod, the pod (3) comprising a code (34), the device comprising an upstream pod enclosing part (2) and a downstream pod enclosing part (1) relatively movable between an open position and a closed position for inserting and ejecting the pod, as well as a code reader (71), a removable pod holder (6), an upper insertion section (4) for introducing the pod holder into the device, and a pod holder stopper (42) for stopping the pod holder at a temporary intermediate position inside the path (41), in which in the temporary intermediate position the pod holder is configured to hold the pod such that a code arranged on the pod faces the code reader (71), and the code reading action by the code reader is triggered by movement of the pod holder when it reaches the temporary intermediate position during its introduction into the device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage preparation using a system including 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 automatic preparation of beverages include various types of containers that can be brewed according to various types of systems, in which the container introduced into the system by the user is enclosed in a chamber to carry out the brewing process and then removed from the chamber, the chamber comprising two parts that are configured to be separated during the introduction of the container and then moved towards each other to form a brewing chamber around the container for brewing the beverage.

[0003] The containers can be introduced into these systems according to a variety of modalities.

[0004] In one particular type of system, the user introduces the container into a receiving area of ​​the system that leads the container directly between the two parts of the machine, such as in European Patent Application No. 1859714 or European Patent Application No. 1646305. In such type of system, the two parts of the chamber are generally movable along a horizontal direction relative to one another so that the container can be introduced into the two parts along a vertical direction and then removed from the chamber, utilizing the gravity drop of the container in these movements.

[0005] Therefore, such types of systems require the provision of a container catcher and container ejector within the chamber to control the movement of the container, which makes them relatively complex to manufacture.

[0006] In some systems, the container has an identification or recognition means or code that is read by a code reader of the system before the beverage is prepared. This identification or recognition means or code provides the system with information about the container, such as the beverage ingredients stored in the container or the size of the container. Such information can be used to adapt the beverage preparation to the container to perform the best preparation.

[0007] Different types of identification or recognition means or codes exist, adapted to different types of readers such as optical, mechanical, magnetic etc.

[0008] In systems such as those mentioned above, in which the container is introduced into the two parts of the brewing chamber by gravity drop, the reading operation requires that the container be stopped during the drop in order to operate the reading. Typically, this can be achieved by closing the path of the container with a stopper driven by a motor.

[0009] Some of these readers require that the reader and the identification or recognition means or code be placed very close to each other during the reading operation, and that only a part of the reader contacts a part of the container carrying the identification or recognition means or code. Such a reading operation requires that the container is stopped very close to the code reader and that the code reader and / or the container are moved towards each other. This operation can increase the preparation time of the beverage, which is inconvenient for the user. In addition, this operation is often performed by a motor that controls the relative movement of the container and the code reader, which further increases the manufacturing costs of the system.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to address at least the above-mentioned existing shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a brewing device for brewing a beverage ingredient by supplying a brewing liquid into a pod, comprising: The above pod, a pod body including side walls and a bottom wall defining a chamber, the chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top opening; a top cover for closing the top opening of the pod body; a machine readable code storing formulation information and disposed on the pod; Equipped with said device comprising an upstream pod enclosing part and a downstream pod enclosing part which are relatively movable, preferably translatable, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for insertion and removal of the pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber enclosing the pod during brewing, the device comprises a code reader; The device is a removable pod holder having a pod receiving hole for receiving and holding a pod; an upper insertion section configured to introduce a pod holder into the device, the upper insertion section comprising a path for guiding the pod holder to an extraction region between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion; a pot holder stopper for stopping the pot holder at a temporary intermediate position inside the path; Equipped with In the temporary intermediate position, the pod holder is configured to hold the pod such that a code disposed on the pod faces the code reader; The act of reading the code by the code reader is triggered by the movement of the pod holder when it reaches a temporary intermediate position during its introduction into the device.

[0012] The relative movement between the code reader and the code of the pod is thus actuated by a user who manually introduces the pod holder inside the brewing device.

[0013] Preferably, the pod holder is fully removable, meaning that it is detachable from the brewing device, in particular the pod holder can be fully removed out of the upper insertion section and then placed back into the brewing device, thus allowing a user to easily introduce a pod inside the pod holder when it is outside the brewing device and after brewing the user can easily transport the pod holder placed in the holder to a bin and then place the pod holder back into the brewing device, either with a new pod or without a pod.

[0014] Preferably, the pod receiving aperture and upper insertion section are configured to orient the cord in front of the cord reader when the pod holder is in the intermediate position.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the orienting means is configured to orient the part of the pod presenting the code inside the holder and inside the channel so that the code faces the code reader when the pod holder is in the temporary intermediate position.

[0016] Such an orientation means can be a special design of the holder and the insertion path of the extraction device, respectively, to force the user to place the pod and the pod holder of the extraction device in only one way.

[0017] These means may also allow correct orientation of the pod taking into account the downstream or upstream surrounding parts depending on the pod's construction.

[0018] Generally, the holder and its hole are designed so that when a pod is placed in the hole, at least a portion of the pod's lid and at least a portion of the bottom are not covered or enclosed by the pod holder and remain accessible for contact by the code reader when the pod is in a temporary intermediate position.

[0019] In addition, typically at least part of the pod lid and at least part of the bottom are not covered or enclosed by the pod holder and remain accessible to the downstream pod surrounding portion and the upstream pod surrounding portion during beverage preparation, preferably accessible to the piercing elements of the said surrounding portions.

[0020] Preferably, the entire surface of the lid and the bottom of the pod body is not covered by the holder.

[0021] These portions therefore remain fully accessible by the code reader and piercing elements of the extraction device.

[0022] The holder stop provides a means to prevent a user manually introducing the holder within the insertion path from pushing the pot holder beyond a temporary intermediate position within said path, such that when the pot holder is stopped at this temporary intermediate position, the pot holder within the pot holder is well positioned to be read by the code reader.

[0023] This intermediate position of the holder is To provide the process control unit of the brewing device with information about beverage preparation (correct pod, best recipe), or To stop the preparation and warn the user via the display if an irregularity is identified (an already extracted pod has not been removed from the pod holder), A code reader allows a recognition step, where the user can immediately remove the holder and check the pod inside it.

[0024] In the temporary intermediate position, the pod holder is only partially inserted inside the brewing device, in particular an upper part of the holder remains accessible by the user, who can pull the holder out from this position.

[0025] This temporary intermediate position may be configured to allow a user to load a pod holder into the device and then the holder is automatically moved further into the brewing chamber formed by the upstream and downstream enclosing portions.

[0026] According to the invention, the act of reading the code by the code reader is triggered by the movement of the pod holder: when the pod holder reaches the temporary intermediate position, the reading of the code is automatically and simultaneously activated.

[0027] By having the pod holder drive the reader movement, the reader movement and the pod holder movement are coordinated, avoiding the use of motors and speeding up the recognition step.

[0028] In this preferred embodiment, the code reader comprises: a retracted position, in which the code reader is positioned away from the path of the insertion section; a reading position, the code reader extending within the path of the insertion section; It is movable between The movement of the code reader from the retracted position to the reading position is triggered by the pod holder when the pod holder reaches a temporary intermediate position during introduction of the pod holder into the device.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the code reader is movable between two positions: the first position is a default retracted position, in which the code reader is positioned to the side of the insertion section and does not impede the pod from sliding within the insertion path, and the second position is a reading position, in which the code reader extends partially within the path of the insertion section and contacts a surface of the pod held in the holder.

[0030] The second position of the reader ensures successful reading of the code provided on the surface of the pod.

[0031] The first position of the reader allows free movement of the pod and pod holder to temporary intermediate positions, typically vertically.

[0032] The temporary intermediate position of the pod holder allows a correct reading by the code reader in the second position.

[0033] By having the pod holder drive the reader movement, the reader movement and the pod holder movement are coordinated, avoiding the use of motors and speeding up the recognition step.

[0034] Typically, the movement of the code reader is perpendicular to the movement of the pod holder.

[0035] Generally, the movement of the pod holder is vertical, while the movement of the reader is horizontal.

[0036] Preferably, movement of the code reader from the reading position back to the retracted position is caused by the pod holder as it moves from the temporary intermediate position to the extraction area.

[0037] As a result, the code reader is positioned back in the first default position during further movement of the pod holder and during beverage preparation, which limits the risk of damaging parts of the code reader during beverage preparation.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the code reader is supported by a movable frame, and during the movement of the pod holder within the path of the insertion device, the frame of the code reader is continuously being spring tensioned while being held in the retracted position by the holding means; It is then moved to a reading position by removing the holding means, It can then be returned to the retracted position by releasing the tension on the spring.

[0039] In this embodiment, preferably The frame of the code reader is spring tensioned by a lever actuated by the pod holder, The holding means is also moved by the pod holder.

[0040] Preferably, the brewing device comprises an actuator for moving the pod holder from the intermediate position to a brewing area between the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion.

[0041] The actuation means is preferably manually actuated, such as a handle, so that the machine can be directly manually operated when loading the pods with the pod holders into the temporary intermediate position, and then indirectly operated by using the handle to move the pod holders to the extraction area.

[0042] Preferably, the actuator may be kinematically coupled to the holder stopper such that when the actuator is operated the holder stopper is configured to move the pod holder from the intermediate position to the extraction region.

[0043] As a result, even if the actuation means is manually operated, the holder is automatically moved to the extraction area, ensuring correct positioning inside the two enclosing parts, which is preferred when both of the two enclosing parts are movable towards each other, as described below.

[0044] Preferably, the pod holder and holder stopper are designed such that the stopper engages a surface of the pod holder and can drive the holder during movement of the stopper by the actuator.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle which closes the passage of the upper insertion section when the downstream and upstream portions are in the closed position.

[0046] As a result, movement of the handle simultaneously positions the holder between the pod enclosing portions, closing the path and preventing the operator from pulling on the holder while the extraction operation is taking place.

[0047] According to one preferred embodiment, the upstream enclosure portion defines a cage and supports an upstream piercing mechanism and a liquid injector for opening the bottom wall of the pod; the downstream portion defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising a downstream planar piercing mechanism for opening the lid of the pod; The downstream and upstream portions are each movable between a respective open position for insertion and removal of the pod holder and a respective closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod holder during brewing.

[0048] In many cases, following beverage extraction, it is preferred that the upstream and downstream portions, respectively, move to and from the pod, as a portion of the lid or bottom of the pod body may remain engaged with piercing elements rising 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.

[0049] The actuation means is such that the pod holder is disposed in the extraction region between the two enclosing portions before the two enclosing portions enclose the pod; and such that the two enclosing portions are moved away from the pod before the pod holder is removed from the extraction area; It may be configured to coordinate the movement of the upstream and downstream portions as well as the movement of the pod holder.

[0050] Preferably, the relative movement of the upstream and downstream surrounding parts 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 surrounding parts.

[0051] As a result, the dimensions of the extraction device can be kept small.

[0052] 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 structure of the pod.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the orienting means is arranged to orient the pod lid so that it faces either the downstream portion or the upstream portion depending on the configuration of the pod.

[0054] Such an orientation means can be a special design of the insertion path of the holder and extraction device, forcing the user to position the pod and pod holder in only one way.

[0055] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine comprising a brewing device as described above.

[0056] Generally, the beverage machine comprises a liquid supply system connected to the upstream surrounding part. The liquid supply system comprises: A liquid supply unit such as a liquid tank; a pump means for driving liquid from the liquid supply to the extraction device; Heating and / or cooling means may be provided for adapting the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced inside the pod.

[0057] The liquid is usually water.

[0058] Typically, the beverage machine comprises at least a control unit configured to control the supply of liquid to the extraction device, which may be configured to control the recognition operation of the recognition device, if present, or to display information to the user.

[0059] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a brewing device and a pod as described above, or comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod as described above, This pod is a pod body including a side wall and a bottom wall defining a chamber; a top cover for closing the top opening of the pod body; a machine readable code storing the preparation information and disposed on the pod, preferably on a lid of the pod; The pod holder and insert section are designed so that the lid faces the code reader in the path of the insert section.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a beverage using a device as described above, the method comprising: removing the pod holder; Introducing a pod into a pod holder; directing a pod holder in the brewing device downward to a temporary position; and c) actuating the actuation means to move the pot holder from the intermediate position to the extraction area.

[0061] In a fifth aspect there is provided the use of a pod holder in a brewing device or in a beverage machine as described, The pod holder includes a pod receiving hole for receiving and holding a pod, The pod holder is designed to trigger the action of a code reading during the introduction of the pod holder into the brewing device.

[0062] In this application: The term "pod" is used broadly to denote any type of single-dose container suitable for preparing a beverage or other edible product, such as a capsule, cartridge, portioned package or individual package, without limiting the shape of this container, particularly the shape of the body, or the type of piercing means required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0063] The term "longitudinally" refers to the orientation and movement of two enveloping parts relative to each other along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the path of liquid through the extraction device from an upstream enclosure to a downstream enclosure.

[0066] Generally, these terms are used to describe the relative placement of features of a brewing device and should be understood to refer to said device in its normal orientation when placed in a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage, as shown in Figures 2A, 2E, and 4A-4H.

[0067] 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0068] Particular embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 1C] 1A-1D are various perspective views of a pod used in the extraction device of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B are respectively a side view and a top view of an extraction device according to the invention, with the pot holder removed from the extraction device; [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of several separated portions of the extraction device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of several separated portions of the extraction device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] 2A and 2B are respectively a side view and a top view of an extraction device according to the invention, with the pot holder removed from the extraction device; [Figure 2E] FIG. 2B is a side view of the extraction device of FIG. 2A with the pod holder enclosed therein. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a side view of several separated portions of the extraction device of FIG. 2E. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a holder holding a pod. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the holder holding the pod. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder without the pod. [Figure 3D] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the holder holding the pod. [Figure 4A] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4B] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4C] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4D] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4E] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4F] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4G]13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4H] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views showing the introduction step of the pod holder inside the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4I] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views illustrating the removal step of the pod holder from the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4J] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views illustrating the removal step of the pod holder from the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4K] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views illustrating the removal step of the pod holder from the extraction device according to a preferred embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4H is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4H. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a fluid system of the extraction device. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is an isolated perspective view of a movable cord reader assembly of the extraction device. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of the inset section of FIG. 2D. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along plane AA of FIG. 7C. [Figure 7E] 11A-11C are side views of the extraction device illustrating the relative engagement of the code reader assembly and the pod holder in different operating positions. [Figure 7F] 11A-11C are side views of the extraction device illustrating the relative engagement of the code reader assembly and the pod holder in different operating positions. [Figure 7G] 11A-11C are side views of the extraction device illustrating the relative engagement of the code reader assembly and the pod holder in different operating positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] FIG. 1A (perspective view) and FIG. 1B (exploded view) illustrate a pod 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0070] The pod 3 comprises a pod body 31 having a sidewall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 to a top. The sidewall 311 extends to a top opening 312. At the top opening 312, the body comprises a peripheral annular flange 314 extending radially outward from the sidewall 311 along the periphery of the opening 312.

[0071] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0072] Generally, any transverse cross section of the body will be circular from base to top and the flanges will also be circular.

[0073] The body defines a chamber for containing a beverage ingredient.

[0074] The beverage ingredient is preferably one that can be brewed, such as roast and ground coffee.

[0075] In a second preferred method, the beverage raw material may be tea leaves or a water-soluble powder raw material such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of said powders, or a soluble liquid raw material or even a beverage concentrate such as a syrup or a milk concentrate. The powder may be agglomerated or sintered.

[0076] The capsule includes a lid 32 that is secured, sealed or otherwise attached to at least a portion of the upper surface 3142 of the peripheral flange, thus covering and closing the top opening 312 .

[0077] A machine readable code 34 is located on the lid. This code reads: The nature of the beverage ingredients; Pod size, Regular pods, The brew recipe applied to the pod: fluid temperature, fluid volume, fluid flow rate, Different types of information can be provided, such as:

[0078] The bottom wall 313 is adapted to be perforated so that liquid can be injected into the pod through the perforated opening.

[0079] The lid 32 is adapted to be opened by relative engagement with a piercing mechanism under the effect of increased liquid pressure inside the pod during injection of liquid.

[0080] The pod shape is symmetrical about a central axis ZZ' that extends from the bottom wall to the lid, and the pod shape is asymmetrical about the plane and flange of the lid.

[0081] Figure 1C illustrates another pod 3' that can be used in the brewing device of the present invention and differs from the pod 3 of Figure 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.

[0082] This difference in size allows for the preparation of different beverages, preferably different coffee beverages such as ristretto, espresso, lungo (long cup), americano, etc.

[0083] Sizes other than those illustrated may be provided, such as intermediate sizes.

[0084] The machine readable code 34 may store information regarding the size of the pod.

[0085] 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 only need to have an internal shape that matches the container.

[0086] For example, the container can be a frusto-conical capsule made of aluminum or plastic.

[0087] Figure 2A is a side view of an extraction device 10 according to the invention, comprising an upstream pod enclosing part 2 and a downstream pod enclosing part 1, which are relatively translatable along a longitudinal axis XX'. Usually, this axis XX' is essentially horizontal. In Figure 2A, these two parts are in an open position arranged to receive a pod for extraction. 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 connected to them by a system 81 of mutually associated knee levers.

[0088] The device comprises a pod holder 6 which holds a pod 3. This holder is fully removable from the extraction device and is shown in Fig. 2A outside the chassis, when it is outside it is ready for an introduction operation between the enclosing parts or at the end of said operation during the removal of an extracted pod from the extraction device. The pod is introduced through an insertion section 4 arranged above the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0089] 2B and 2C are perspective and separated views of the two pod enclosing parts 1, 2 and the pod holder 6 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2A.

[0090] The downstream part 1 comprises a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX', said plate comprising a central downstream planar piercing mechanism 12 for opening the lid 32 of the pod when brewing liquid is introduced into the interior of the pod causing the lid to expand.

[0091] Typically, this central downstream planar piercing mechanism 12 is circular, like the lid of a pod.

[0092] The opening occurs due to the relative engagement of the spike with the lid under the effect of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod body chamber. This downstream planar piercing mechanism may comprise a rigid plate with opening elements 121, such as spikes, on its surface facing the lid, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with truncated ends. In addition, the plate comprises transverse holes for ejecting the beverage dispensed from the opened lid to a beverage outlet 14, such as a tube or nozzle, which collects the beverage and pours it into a drinking cup.

[0093] The plate comprises a peripheral region 13 around the perforation features 12 .

[0094] The upstream part 2 defines a cage 21, i.e. a cavity for enclosing the pod body. This cage has an adjustable internal volume. A movable end wall 22 transverse to the longitudinal axis XX' of the cage allows this adjustment. This end wall 22 supports piercing 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 of the pod. These piercing elements can comprise perforators in the form of blades. These blades can be designed and arranged to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts are in the closed position. The liquid outlet openings 223 can form a shower on the upstream wall of the cage, the supplied liquid being introduced into the pod through pre-drilled openings.

[0095] Since pods 2 of different sizes can be introduced to perform the extraction, the end walls 22 of the cage can be movable to adapt the internal volume of the cage to the pods.

[0096] The upstream part 2 is supported by a carrier 24 allowing it to move along an axis XX'.

[0097] The top view of the extraction device in Fig. 2D shows a pod holder insertion section 4 provided in a chassis 9. This insertion section 4 is designed to allow the pod holder 6 to be introduced such that the lid 32 of the pod held in the holder is located in front of the downstream enclosure part 1.

[0098] As can be seen from this figure, the extraction device comprises a code reader 7, which is arranged to the side of the insertion section and above the two surrounding parts 1, 2 and which is configured to read the code on the capsules arranged within the insertion section.

[0099] Figures 2E and 2F show the brewing device of Figures 2A-2C, where the pod holder 6 is arranged between the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1, which have been moved towards each other by actuating an associated lever by means of a handle 8. In this position, the pod holder 6 is tightly sandwiched between the two enclosing parts 1, 2.

[0100] Figure 3A is a front view of the pod holder 6 holding a pod 3, showing the front side 641 of the pod holder where the pod lid 32 is located. Figure 3B shows the rear side 642 of the pod holder where the pod bottom 313 emerges. Figure 3C is a perspective view of the holder without a pod.

[0101] 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 the 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 pod enclosing portion and the upstream pod enclosing portion during beverage preparation.

[0102] In the particular embodiment described above, the code 34 is provided over the entire surface of the lid and can be read from any portion of the lid by a code reader.

[0103] In addition, in the particular embodiment of the extraction device described above, the piercing elements 12, 222 of the downstream and upstream surrounding parts are configured to pierce large surfaces 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.

[0104] In other types of piercing elements of the extraction device, the perforations may be made in narrower areas of the lid and / or bottom and the holder may comprise several parts to enclose the pod except for its pierceable area.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder can include several retention elements around the inner periphery of the hole, such as the illustrated short flexible tongue 612, that 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.

[0106] The handle 63 facilitates handling by the user, particularly while introducing the pod holder into the insertion section, by forcing the user to orient the pod holder with the handle positioned upwards, i.e., with the lid 32 in front of the downstream part 1 and the pod bottom 313 in the form of the upstream part 2.

[0107] 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 exactly between the upstream portion and the surrounding portion, as described above in relation to Figure 2D.

[0108] 4A-4E show the steps of the introduction of a pod holder inside the extraction device 10 according to a preferred embodiment.

[0109] In Figure 4A, The handle 8 is in an 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 code reader 7 is disposed beside the path 41 .

[0110] The pod holder 6 is loaded with a pod 3 and positioned above the insertion section 4 , and is slid vertically inside the path 41 as indicated by arrow A.

[0111] In FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, The pod holder 6 is introduced into the channel 41 by the user.

[0112] In FIG. 4D, The pod holder 6 is held in a temporary intermediate position inside the channel 41 by a stopper 42 against which the pod holder abuts, the downstream end 42a of which is arranged to be located inside the channel 41 when the handle 8 is in the open position and to interact with the bottom 643 of the pod holder and to stop any downward sliding movement due to user manipulation.

[0113] In this intermediate position, the code reader 7 is forced against the pod lid so that the code can be read as described below in conjunction with Figures 7A-7D.

[0114] This intermediate position may allow an operation of identification or recognition of 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 preparation of a beverage from the recognized or identified pod.

[0115] At the same time, the downstream end 42a of the stopper engages in a slot 644 designed through the bottom 643 of the holder. This engagement 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.

[0116] In Figure 4E, With the pod holder parked in an intermediate position, the user can begin to move the handle 8, as indicated by arrow B, to the closed position.

[0117] By means of an interrelated knee-lever system 81 between the handle 8 and the carrier 24 of the upstream enveloping part 2, this upstream part starts to move in the direction of the downstream part 1 as shown by the arrow C. In this illustrated preferred embodiment, the downstream pod enveloping part 2 is also moving in the direction of the upstream part.

[0118] The holder stopper's upstream end 42b is connected to this movable carrier 24, with the upstream end 42b engaging in a slot 241 of the carrier. Thus, movement of the carrier 24 simultaneously induces movement of the stopper 42, as the stopper 42 engages in a slot 644 of the pod holder 6. The slots 644, 421 in the pod holder 6 and the carrier 24 respectively are designed such that movement of the upstream pod enclosing part 2 towards the downstream pod enclosing part, i.e. closing of the brewing chamber, induces a downward movement of the pod holder between the two enclosing parts 1, 2 before these two parts form the brewing chamber.

[0119] In Figure 4F, The handle 8 continues to close and the upstream part of the carrier 24 moves towards the downstream part 1. The stopper 42 continues to drive the pod holder 6 downwards due to the design of the slots 644, 421 in the pod holder 6 and the carrier 24 respectively.

[0120] During this downward movement, the pod holder 6 is designed to return the code reader 7 to a rest position away from the path 41 .

[0121] In Figure 4G, The handle 8 continues to close and the carrier 24 of the upstream surrounding part 1 continues to move towards the downstream part 1 to close the brewing chamber.

[0122] However, the pod holder 6 stops sliding downwards due to the design of the slot 241 followed by the upstream end 42b of the stopper in the carrier. At this step of closing the handle 8, the pod holder 6 is well aligned along the longitudinal axis XX' between the two surrounding parts 1, 2.

[0123] In Figure 4H, The handle 8 reaches a closed position, covering the passage 41 of the insertion section.

[0124] The downstream and upstream surrounding parts 1, 2 and the holder 6 form a brewing chamber 5 (dotted line) which surrounds the pod 3. The bottom 313 of the pod is pierced by a piercing element 222 and the preparation of a beverage can be started by introducing liquid through the liquid outlet 223 of the upstream surrounding part.

[0125] 5 is a close-up view of the interaction of the pod holder 6 and the upstream and downstream surrounding parts 2 and 1 when the brewing chamber is formed. Preferably, the pod holder is provided with a seal 62 covering the entire front and rear of the periphery 611 of the receiving hole in the pod holder, which can cooperate with the periphery of the upstream and downstream surrounding parts 2 and 1 respectively to provide a tight seal during beverage preparation, in particular the edge 211 of the cage can engage with the seal at the rear of the periphery of the hole and the peripheral area 13 of the downstream surrounding part can engage with the seal at the front of the periphery of the hole.

[0126] In addition, the pod holder 6 may be designed such that the annular flange 314 of the pod is sandwiched between the front surface of the periphery of the hole and the periphery of the peripheral region 13 of the downstream enclosure.

[0127] Preferably, the seal in front of the periphery of the hole includes a ridge 621 that runs along the periphery of the seal and rises in the downstream direction.

[0128] Thus, in the closed position of the enclosing parts 1, 2, the flange 314 of the pod may be pressed between the seal 62 and the periphery of the downstream part and pinched tightly by the ridges. As a result, the liquid path created by the presence of wrinkles around the flange of the pod is closed in the flange and airtightness is obtained. This embodiment is particularly useful when a paper pod is used as described above. In one preferred embodiment, the peripheral area 13 of the downstream part may comprise a groove 131 into which the ridges 621 may engage to further improve airtightness.

[0129] 4I-4K show the steps of removing the pod holder from the extraction device after the extraction operation of FIG. 4H.

[0130] These steps are performed while the user pulls the handle 8 to open the extraction device, which is the exact opposite of the actions described in Figures 4C to 4H.

[0131] In Fig. 4I, the user pulls the handle 8 upwards, as indicated by arrow D, with the effect that the carrier 24 of the upstream enclosure part 2 moves away from the pod holder 6, as indicated by arrow E. The two enclosure parts 1, 2 release the pod holder 6.

[0132] In FIG. 4J, the user continues to pull the handle 8, and the downstream end 42a of the pod holder stopper pushes the pod holder upwards, as shown by arrow F.

[0133] In Figure 4K, the stopper 42 is not engaged in the slot 644 at the bottom of the pod holder. The pod handle can be grasped by a user and the pod holder 6 can be pulled out of the insertion path to discard the extracted pod.

[0134] During these steps the reader does not move and remains outside the path 41 .

[0135] 6 shows a fluid system 101 of an extraction device, configured to supply liquid to the upstream surrounding part 2. This system 101 may comprise a tank 1011 of fluid, typically water, a pump 1012 for pumping said fluid from the tank, and at least one device such as a heater 1013 and / or a cooler for adapting the temperature of the fluid before it is distributed to the upstream part 2.

[0136] The process control unit 102 of the beverage machine is configured to control the pump and the heater when a beverage is ordered. The code reader assembly 7 of the brewing device is configured to provide the control unit with information read from the code of the pod. Based on this information, the process control unit 102 is configured to operate the pump and the heater and / or cooler. If the beverage machine is equipped with a display device, it can also display certain information about the pod.

[0137] The information read from the code can be used by the process control unit according to several different modes, namely: The code read may be a reference to a type of recipe stored in the memory of the process control unit, and the control unit is configured to apply that stored recipe, or The code read may be a reference to a type of recipe stored in a remote database, and the process control unit is configured to download that recipe from the remote database through a remote communication device, or The read code can directly provide all the parameters of a recipe, and the control unit is configured to apply the read recipe.

[0138] 7A-7B show a movable code reader assembly 7 of the present invention.

[0139] The assembly comprises a code reader 71. Preferably, this code reader is configured to provide the best reading of the code through a contact action with the code. In particular, such a contact action may be recommended when the reader itself may have some chance of collecting steam or water droplets, for example when the code reader is placed directly above the brewing chamber as in the particular embodiment shown in Figures 4A-4K.

[0140] The code reader 7 is held in a frame 72 which is movable within the main chassis 9 of the extraction device, in particular the frame 72 is slidable within ridges of the main chassis which allow for movement of the frame 72 back and forth, respectively away from and towards the path 41 of the insertion section. By default, i.e. at rest, the frame 72 is located outside the path 41 of the insertion section.

[0141] The movement in frame 72 is Knee mechanism 75, Holding means 73; and a main lever 74 for actuating the knee mechanism.

[0142] The knee lever 75 is attached at a first end 75a to the main lever 74 and at a second end 75b indirectly to the frame 72 by a spring 751 (FIG. 7B).

[0143] The retaining means 73 is attached to the main chassis 9 and arranged to prevent movement of the frame 72. The retaining means may be movable to release the frame 72 in a step of the pod holder loading operation, as described below.

[0144] Movement of the main lever 74 actuates the knee mechanism, and the main lever 74 is attached to a return spring 741 arranged to return the lever to a rest position.

[0145] The main lever 74 is positioned relative to the channel 41 of the insertion section such that its end 742 is actuated by a lever pusher 65 designed into the pod holder (FIG. 3A). In this particular embodiment, when the pod holder 6 is slid in the channel 41, the lateral lever pusher 65 pushes the lever end 742 against the force of the lever return spring 741, thus actuating the knee lever 75. However, due to the presence of the retaining means 73 in front of the frame 72, this frame of the code reader cannot move. As a result, the movement of the knee lever 75 creates a tension in the knee lever spring 751.

[0146] The retaining means 73 has a first end 73a which is by default located in front of a part of the code reader frame 72 and prevents any movement of the frame in the direction of the insertion section path 41. The retaining means is designed such that its second end 73b is actuated by a retainer pusher 66 designed in the pod holder (FIG. 3A) such that when the pod holder 6 is slid in the path 41, the retainer pusher 66 pushes the second end 72b of the retaining means, which has the effect of displacing also the first end 72a of the retaining means and of making the code reader frame 72 free to move in the insertion section path 41 in the direction where the pod holder is present and therefore where the pods are present.

[0147] The lever pusher 65 and the retainer pusher 66 are designed in the pod holder such that the lever pusher actuates the lever 74, which in turn tensions the knee lever spring 751, before the retainer pusher 66 moves the second end 73b of the retainer means, and indirectly the first end 73a of the retainer means. As a result, when the retainer means 73 ceases to block the frame 72 of the code reader, the frame is forced towards the path 41 by the knee lever 75, which is under the tension of the knee lever spring 751.

[0148] The pod holder 6 is designed so that when the retainer pusher 66 moves the second end 73b of the holding means, allowing the code reader frame 72 to move freely, the pod lid 32 held in the pod holder 6 is positioned in front of the code reader 71, in particular with the part of the lid containing the cord facing the code reader, and the code reader is pressed against the cord.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment, the pod lid carries a code that can be read on any surface of the lid, for example a code repeated multiple times on the surface of the lid, such that the code can be read by a code reader when the code reader is in contact with a portion of the lid, regardless of the position of the pod and lid in the pod holder (as shown in FIG. 3A).

[0150] Figure 7C is an enlarged view of the insert section 4 of Figure 2D (defined by the dotted line in Figure 2D) which clearly shows the position of the lever end 742 and the second end 73b of the holding means in the lateral portion of the path 41 of the insert section. Figure 7D corresponds to a vertical cross-section along plane AA in Figure 7B and shows the relative vertical positions of the lever end 742 and the second end 73b of the holding means, whereby the lever end 742 is pushed by the pod holder before the second end 73b of the holding means when the pod holder is introduced into the insert section as shown in Figure 3A.

[0151] Preferably, the pod holder 6 is designed such that when the bottom of the pod holder 6 stops against the retaining means 42, i.e., when the intermediate position shown in Figure 4D is reached, the retainer pusher 66 is configured to push the retaining means 73 to move the frame of the reader to the pod lid 32. Thus, in this position in Figure 4D, the movement of the pod holder is stopped and the code reader can accurately read the code since the pod is not moving. In addition, because the action of pulling the handle 8 to the closed position is necessary in the second step of introducing the pod holder into the extraction area, there is enough time for the code reader to read the code before the operator releases his / her hand from the pod holder 6 and pulls the handle 8, i.e., between Figures 4D and 4E.

[0152] Preferably, when lever end 742 is pressed by the pod holder, a portion of lever 74 is configured to simultaneously activate a code reading operation by positioning a microswitch coupled to the code reader such that the code reader is positioned for efficient reading and simultaneously energized for the reading operation.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 4E, when the handle 8 is pulled and the pod holder 6 is accordingly pulled into the extraction area by the stopper 42, it is preferable to retract the code reader from the insertion path 41 to avoid the front part of the code reader being damaged, in particular scratched, by sliding along the pod lid 32.

[0154] In the illustrated embodiment, the design of the lever end 742 of the pod holder and the lever pusher 65 are configured such that when the pod holder 6 is in the intermediate position, the lever end 742 is no longer held by the lever pusher 65 but by a lever catcher 811 attached to one of the associated knee levers 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever pusher 65 is designed to position the lever end 742 in relation to this lever catcher during the movement that introduces the pod holder into the intermediate position.

[0155] When the handle 8 is pulled and the pod holder 6 is driven from the intermediate position to the extraction area, the lever pusher of the pod holder slides downwards and at the same time the lever catcher 811 is moved by the handle, releasing the lever end 742. As a result, with the help of the lever spring 741, the lever 74 is forced back to the default position, folding back the knee lever 75, which moves the cord reader frame 72 away from the path 41 and back to its original rest position, as shown in FIG. 4F.

[0156] 7E-7F show the interaction of lever catcher 811 with lever 74. FIG.

[0157] The extraction device has the advantage that it allows the reading operation through an action by the user of introducing the pod holder inside the intermediate position, this operation does not require the use of a motor and remains invisible to the user.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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]

[0161] 10 Beverage Devices 1. Downstream Enclosure 12 Downstream plate drilling mechanism 121 Spike 13 Surrounding Areas 131 Groove 2. Upstream Enclosure 21 Cage 211 Edge 22 Upstream drilling mechanism 23 Raised elements 25 liquid syringe 3, 3' pod 31, 31' Main body 311, 311' side wall 3111 Top edge 312 Upper opening 313 Bottom wall 314 Annular flange 3141 Top surface 3142 Bottom 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 Surroundings 612 Vero 62 Seal 621 Ridge 63 Handle 641 Front 642 Back 643 Bottom 644 Slots 65 Lever Pusher 66 Retainer pusher 7 Code Reader Assembly 71 Code Reader 72 frames 73 Retention means 73a First end 73b Second end 74 Lever 741 Lever spring 742 Lever end 75 Knee Lever 75a First end 75b Second end 751 Knee lever spring 8 Actuators 81 Interrelated Knee Levers 811 Lever catcher 9. Chassis

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, said chamber extending axially between a bottom and a top opening (312); an upper cover (32) for closing the upper opening of the pod body; a machine readable code (34) storing preparation information and disposed on said pod; Equipped with said device comprising an upstream pod enclosing part (2) and a downstream pod enclosing part (1) relatively movable, preferably translatable, along a horizontal longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for insertion and removal of said pod (3) and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber (5) enclosing said pod during brewing, The device comprises a code reader (71), 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 to introduce the pod holder (6) into the device, the upper insertion section (4) comprising a path (41) for guiding the pod holder to an extraction region between the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and the downstream pod enclosing portion (1); a pot holder stopper (42) for stopping the pot holder (6) at a temporary intermediate position inside the path (41); in the temporary intermediate position, the pod holder (6) is configured to hold the pod such that the cord (34) disposed on the pod faces the cord reader (71); the reading of the code by the code reader is triggered by a movement of the pod holder (6) when it reaches the temporary intermediate position during its introduction into the device. Extraction device.

2. 2. The extraction device of claim 1, wherein the pod receiving hole (61) and the upper insertion section (4) are configured to orient the cord (34) in front of the cord reader (71) when the pod holder (6) is in the intermediate position.

3. The code reader (71), a retracted position, in which the code reader is positioned away from the path (41) of the insertion section; and a reading position, in which the code reader extends inside the path (41) of the insertion section; It is movable between the movement of the code reader (7) from the retracted position to the reading position is triggered by the pod holder (6) when the pod holder (6) reaches the temporary intermediate position during introduction of the pod holder into the device.

3. An extraction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A brewing device according to claim 3, wherein the movement of the cord reader (7) is perpendicular to the movement of the pot holder (6).

5. 5. The extraction device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movement of the code reader (7) from the reading position back to the retracted position is caused by the pod holder (6) when the pod holder moves from the temporary intermediate position to the extraction area.

6. During the movement of the pod holder (6) inside the path (41) of the insertion device, the frame of the code reader is successively while being held in said retracted position by a holding means (73), it is spring tensioned; It is then moved to the reading position by removing the holding means (73), It is then returned to the retracted position by releasing the tension on the spring. An extraction device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the frame of the code reader is spring-tensioned by a lever (74), the lever being actuated by the pod holder (6); the holding means (73) is moved by the pod holder; 7. An extraction device according to claim 6.

8. The extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an actuator (8) for moving the pod holder (6) from the intermediate position to the extraction area between the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and the downstream pod enclosing portion (1).

9. The extraction device of claim 8, wherein the actuator (8) is kinematically coupled to the holder stopper (42) such that when the actuator (8) is operated, the stopper (42) is configured to move the pot holder (61) from the intermediate position to the extraction area.

10. The extraction device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the actuator (8) comprises a handle, which closes the channel (41) of the upper insertion section when the downstream part (1) and the upstream part (2) are in the closed position.

11. the upstream part (2) defines a cage (21) and supports an upstream piercing mechanism (22) for opening the bottom wall (313) of the pod and a liquid injector (25); said downstream portion (1) defining a plate transverse to said longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising a downstream planar piercing mechanism (12) for opening said lid (32) of said pod, the actuator (8) is configured to move the upstream portion (2) and the downstream portion (1) between the open and closed positions of the upstream and downstream portions. An extraction device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. A beverage preparation machine comprising an extraction device according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A system comprising an extraction device and a pod according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a beverage preparation machine and a pod according to claim 12, The pod (3) a pod body (31) having a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining a chamber; an upper cover (32) for closing the upper opening of the pod body; a machine readable code (34) storing preparation information and disposed on the pod, preferably on the lid of the pod; the pod holder (6) and the insertion section (4) are designed such that the lid faces the code reader (71) in the passage (41) of the insertion section; system.

14. A method for preparing a beverage using an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or a beverage machine according to claim 12, or a system according to claim 13, the extraction device comprising an actuation means (8), the method comprising: removing the pot holder (6) from the extraction device; Introducing a pod (3) into the pod holder; directing the pod holder in the extraction device downward to the temporary position; and actuating the actuating means (8) to move the pot holder from the intermediate position to the extraction area. method.

15. Use of a pod holder (6) in an extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or in a beverage machine according to claim 12, comprising: The pod holder includes a pod receiving hole (61) for receiving and holding the pod; the pot holder is designed to trigger a code reading operation during introduction of the pot holder into the extraction device; use.

Images