Beverage Extraction System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system comprising an extraction device for a beverage preparation machine and a pod, the pod comprising a pod body and a top lid, the extraction device comprising an upstream pod surrounding portion and a downstream pod surrounding portion that are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber surrounding the pod during extraction, the downstream portion comprising a downstream planar perforation mechanism for opening the pod lid, the pod body and lid being made of a multi-layer paper material including a paper layer coated with at least a plastic layer, and the downstream perforation mechanism and the multi-layer material of the pod's second surrounding wall (32) being designed to enable gradual perforation of the top lid.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] WO 2020 / 089404 describes such a system for extracting beverages from such soft or flexible pods. These pods have an asymmetric shape relative to a plane containing the flange of the pod. The extraction device is provided with an extraction chamber configured to adapt its size to the shape and volume of the pod to be introduced. The extraction chamber: an upstream portion defining a cage, the upstream portion supporting an upstream piercing mechanism for opening a lower wall of the pod and a liquid injector for supplying liquid through the opened lower wall; and a downstream portion defining a plate having a downstream planar piercing mechanism for opening the pod lid.

[0004] During the brewing process, water is supplied into the pod through the opened lower wall to increase the pressure inside the pod, and the downstream planar piercing mechanism is designed to open the lid by relative engagement with the lid under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod body chamber and the expansion of the lid against the piercing mechanism.

[0005] Environmental considerations nowadays call for the use of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, in particular pods made essentially of paper.

[0006] These new materials create particular problems during beverage preparation and handling of the pods in the brewing device, in particular resulting in less than optimal extraction of roast and ground coffee, with the coffee either being over-extracted or under-extracted.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned existing problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] There is provided a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, preferably roast and ground coffee, the pod having first and second surrounding walls, the first and second pod surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing a beverage ingredient; the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material, the multi-layer paper material including at least one paper layer combined with at least one plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that at least one plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pod; The beverage preparation machine comprises a brewing device for brewing a beverage from a pod, the brewing device comprising: an upstream pod enclosing portion and a downstream pod enclosing portion that are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber that encloses the pod during brewing; The upstream part is an upstream piercing mechanism for opening the first surrounding wall of the pod; A liquid injector; It supports the downstream portion includes a downstream piercing mechanism for opening the second surrounding wall of the pod; the downstream drilling mechanism comprises a plate; the surface of the plate facing the second wall of the pod has an opening element extending from the surface; the plate having a transverse hole for discharging the dispensed beverage from the open second wall; During the preparation of the beverage, the extraction device In a first step, a pod is enclosed between an upstream pod enclosing portion and a downstream pod enclosing portion; Then, in a second step, a liquid is introduced into the enclosed pod through a liquid injector. It is structured as follows: the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multilayer material of the second surrounding wall of the pod In a first step, the opening element only partially perforates the multi-layer paper material such that at least a plastic layer of the multi-layer paper material facing an interior portion of the chamber of the pod is not perforated; During the second step, the opening element completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second enclosing wall lid relative to the opening element. It is designed to be.

[0009] The brewing device of the system is typically included in a beverage preparation machine configured to receive the pod. Preferably, it is a coffee machine, but the machine can be designed to prepare, for example, tea, chocolate, or soup depending on the ingredients enclosed in the pod. Specifically, the machine is configured to prepare a beverage in a brewing chamber by passing water, preferably hot water or another liquid, through a pod containing the ingredients of the beverage to be prepared, preferably roast and ground coffee, and thus tea leaves, instant coffee, instant tea, chocolate, cocoa, dairy powder, or dry soup. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee.

[0010] The device is configured to extract beverage ingredients contained in the pods by supplying an extracting liquid, such as water, into the pods, and includes upstream and downstream pod-enclosing portions that are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting such pods and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber that surrounds the pods during extraction of the beverage ingredients.

[0011] Typically, the pod may be inserted into the device from above under the influence of gravity, which may also allow for the ejection or removal of the pod upon reopening of the enclosure.

[0012] The upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber surrounding the pod during brewing. In one particular embodiment, the upstream pod enclosing portion and the downstream pod enclosing portion are relatively movable along the longitudinal axis (XX').

[0013] The upstream or injection portion comprises an upstream piercing mechanism in the form of one or more perforators for piercing the first wall of the inserted pod, and at least one liquid injector for supplying liquid through the perforated first wall of the pod.

[0014] The upstream perforation mechanism may comprise perforators in the form of blades that may be designed and positioned to perforate the first wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions are in the closed position. A liquid injector, e.g., a shower, in the upstream portion of the cage may introduce brewing liquid through the pre-perforated openings.

[0015] In an alternative form, the upstream piercing mechanism may comprise at least one hollow needle configured to pierce the lower wall of the pod body, and the hollow needle may comprise an internal axial channel for guiding the brewing liquid into the chamber of the pod.

[0016] The downstream or dispensing portion defines a downstream piercing mechanism for opening the second wall of the pod when the brewing liquid is introduced into the pod. Typically, this downstream planar piercing mechanism is designed to open the second wall by engaging with the second pod surrounding wall under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod chamber and the expansion of the second wall relative to the piercing mechanism. This downstream planar piercing mechanism comprises a plate, preferably rigid, and provided with a plurality of reliefs and opening elements, such as concave elements, e.g., spikes, which may have a conical shape, on its surface facing the second wall.

[0017] In addition, the plate is provided with a transverse hole for discharging the beverage dispensed from the open second wall to a tube or nozzle which collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0018] Typically, the shape of the upstream and surrounding portions of the extraction device is defined according to the shape of the pod it is configured to extract from.

[0019] In one embodiment of the system, The pod is the first surrounding wall is a pod body, the pod body having side and bottom walls defining a chamber and a peripheral annular body flange, the pod body containing a beverage ingredient; the second surrounding wall is a top cover attached to the peripheral flange, the top cover closing the top opening of the pod body; It is structured as follows: The extraction device the upstream portion defines a cage designed to surround the pod body and carries an upstream piercing mechanism (22) for opening the lower wall of the pod; the downstream portion defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), said plate comprising a downstream piercing mechanism for opening the lid of the pod; It is structured as follows.

[0020] In this first embodiment, the pod has an asymmetric shape.

[0021] When the pod is present, the pod body is surrounded by the cage in the upstream portion and the pod lid extends along the downstream piercing mechanism. The asymmetric shape of the pod has the advantage that it allows the operator to correctly position the pod inside the brewing device with the lid exactly in front of the downstream piercing mechanism.

[0022] In a second embodiment of the system, The pod is each of the first and second surrounding walls being a pod body, the pod body including side and bottom walls defining half of a chamber, and a peripheral annular body flange; the peripheral annular body flanges of the pod body are attached to one another; It is structured as follows: The extraction device is configured such that the upstream portion and the downstream portion together define a cage for enclosing the pod.

[0023] In this second embodiment, the upstream and downstream surrounding portions generally have similar shapes corresponding to the half shells, and the pod is symmetrical along the plane defined by the flange. Therefore, regardless of the orientation of the pod, the entire first surrounding or second surrounding wall can face the upstream pod surrounding portion or the downstream surrounding portion. For this reason, both surrounding walls preferably have the same material properties, as described below.

[0024] Generally, the extraction device may include an insertion section for inserting a pod into the device. This section is generally located above the upstream pod enclosing section and the downstream pod enclosing section so that the pod is inserted between these two sections by gravity. Depending on the shape of the pod, this insertion section may be designed to encourage the user to place the pod with the pod lid facing the downstream piercing mechanism.

[0025] 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; pumping means for pumping liquid from a 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 into the interior of the pod.

[0026] The liquid is usually water.

[0027] The beverage machine typically comprises an actuator, either manual or electric, for actuating the movement of the surrounding part of the brewing device.

[0028] Typically, the beverage machine comprises a control unit configured to control the supply of liquid to the brewing device and, optionally, the movement of the surrounding part of the brewing device.

[0029] Typically, the system is configured to extract a coffee beverage from a pod containing roast and ground coffee. The process of preparing a coffee beverage from the system involves at least the following steps:

[0030] In a preliminary step, the pod is inserted between the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions, which are positioned in the open position. This operation can be operated manually by a user or automatically by a motor of the beverage machine. Typically, the pod is received in a pod holder that holds the pod between the two pod enclosing portions, which are held apart from each other in the open position.

[0031] Then, in a first step, the upstream pod enclosing portion and / or the downstream pod enclosing portion are moved relative to each other to a closed position to form a brewing chamber surrounding the pod for the next brewing. In that step, the outer surfaces of the first and second walls of the pod are in contact with the surfaces of the upstream and downstream piercing mechanisms. Typically, the upstream piercing mechanism, e.g., a blade or hollow needle, pierces the first surrounding wall of the pod, except that the upstream piercing mechanism is retractable and, in a further step, movable.

[0032] In the second step, the liquid injector injects brewing water through a hole drilled in the first wall of the pod by the upstream piercing mechanism. As the water is injected, it fills the chamber of the pod. Pressure builds until the second wall of the pod opens. When the pressure expands the second wall sufficiently, it engages with the downstream piercing mechanism, tearing or perforating the second wall and creating an opening. Once the opening is created, the pressurized water extracts the roast and ground coffee and allows it to flow out of the machine. Depending on the nature of the second wall, it may not tear at the optimal pressure, which directly affects the quality of the final coffee beverage.

[0033] In this system, the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall of the pod are made of a multi-layered paper material made of layers of different materials, and the multi-layered paper material includes at least one paper layer combined with at least one plastic layer.

[0034] Preferably, all components of the pod, and in particular all components of this multi-layer paper material, are compostable.

[0035] This plastic layer provides additional protection for the paper layer for the beverage ingredients against liquids, gases and moisture.

[0036] In the pod, the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that at least one plastic layer faces the interior portion of the chamber of the pod.

[0037] In the present system, the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multi-layer material of the second surrounding wall of the pod are wherein in a first step of preparing the beverage, the opening element only partially perforates the multi-layer paper material such that at least the plastic layer of the multi-layer paper material facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod is not perforated; during a second step of beverage preparation, the opening element completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second enclosing wall lid relative to the opening element; are designed accordingly to each other.

[0038] The system is therefore configured to allow for gradual opening and interaction of the second pod surrounding wall during beverage preparation, particularly during preparation of coffee from roast and ground coffee.

[0039] During the first step of enclosing the pod, the opening element perforates only some, or preferably all, of the paper layers of the multi-layer paper material, but the opening element does not perforate the plastic layer facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod. This means that the opening element does not perforate completely across the second pod-enclosing wall, ensuring that the pod remains sealed while being filled with the brewing fluid, which can fill the pod during the second step of preparation, thereby increasing the pressure within the pod and achieving the production of crema from the roast and ground coffee.

[0040] This partial perforation of the second pod surrounding wall also ensures that the opening element can completely perforate the second surrounding wall when pressure increases and the pod expands. Due to the fact that the paper layers of the multi-layer paper material have already been perforated in the first step, perforation of the other plastic layers of the multi-layer paper material is easier than if all of the layers (paper and plastic) of the multi-layer material had to be perforated under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second surrounding wall lid against the opening element.

[0041] Preferably, the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multilayer material of the second surrounding wall of the pod are designed so that during the second step, after the pressure inside the pod reaches at least 3 bar, preferably at least 4 bar, under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second surrounding wall lid relative to the opening element, the opening element completely perforates the multilayer paper material by relative engagement with the second surrounding wall.

[0042] Therefore, opening at pressures above 4 bar will not result in under-extraction of roast and ground coffee.

[0043] Preferably, the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multilayer material of the second surrounding wall of the pod are designed so that during the second step, under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second surrounding wall lid relative to the opening element, before the pressure inside the pod reaches a maximum of 10 bar, preferably a maximum of 9 bar, the opening element completely perforates the multilayer paper material by relative engagement with the second surrounding wall.

[0044] Therefore, with openings at pressures below 10 bar, the roast and ground coffee will not be over-extracted, will not flow for too long to dispense the coffee into the cup, and there is no risk of the flow stopping and no coffee being dispensed at all.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism is designed to have a tip, a plastic layer facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod; The opening element is extendable by a tip thereof in a first step of beverage preparation, In a second step of beverage preparation, it can be pierced by the tip of the opening element.

[0046] The tip of the opening element can tear a paper, such as a paper layer, of the multi-layer material, but not a plastic layer because the plastic layer is configured to be stretchable and its location in the interior portion of the chamber of the pod means that the plastic layer contacts only the top edge of the opening element.

[0047] Furthermore, the stretching capacity of the plastic layer is set so that when the brewing fluid fills the pod, the pressure of this fluid on the plastic layer causes it to stretch significantly over the tip of the opening element, eventually perforating the layer and allowing the brewed coffee to be dispensed.

[0048] Preferably, the extraction device is configured such that at least a portion of the extraction device pushes the pod so that when the pod surrounding portions move relative to one another to enclose the pod within the extraction chamber, the second surrounding wall of the pod is pressed against the opening element of the downstream piercing mechanism.

[0049] Thus, tearing of the paper layer of the second enclosing wall is improved.

[0050] Preferably, the pod contains compressed beverage ingredients, preferably compressed roast and ground coffee.

[0051] When a part of the brewing device pushes the pod against the opening elements of the downstream perforation mechanism, the compressed coffee provides a facing surface, improving tearing of the paper layer during the first step.

[0052] For example, the coffee can be compressed as described in WO 2020 / 089403 or by any other process.

[0053] Typically, the paper layer of this multi-layer paper material may be a single sheet of paper.

[0054] Alternatively, but preferably for the pod body, this paper layer can be formed as follows. Wet pulp molding. In this formation, the process of forming the body may include placing a pulp slurry into a mold, for example, by filling the mold with the slurry or by dipping the mold into the slurry. The pulp slurry is compressed within the mold, and the body so formed may be dried. The pulp may be a material such as cellulose pulp, bamboo pulp, wood pulp, bagasse, non-wood pulp, cellulosic pulp, or any other form of alternative pulp source. Or, Dry pulp molding, in which the process of forming the body may include providing a blank of preferably dry cellulose fibers, which may then be formed into the shape of the body using a tool, preferably with the application of heat and / or water.

[0055] Preferably, the paper layers of the multi-layer paper have a density of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150 g / m 2 The paper layer of the forming wall that forms the body may have a higher basis weight than the paper layer of the lid because it must be stretched and deformed during manufacture.

[0056] The paper layer of this multi-layer paper material may also be identified as the primary layer in this application.

[0057] Whatever the type of paper layer, this layer is combined with at least one plastic layer, which may also be identified in this application as a secondary layer.

[0058] The plastic layer is Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, A polymer blend layer formed from any combination of the above polymers You can select from the list.

[0059] The paper layer can be combined with several of these different plastic layers.

[0060] This plastic layer provides additional protection for the paper layer for the beverage ingredients against liquids, gases and moisture.

[0061] In addition to these paper and plastic layers, the multi-layer paper material preferably includes an additional layer of material that provides a barrier to oxygen, which may also be identified in this application as a tertiary layer.

[0062] This layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, in particular a butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer; Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, Metallization coating, SiO x coatings, AlO x coatings, A combination of these You can select from the list.

[0063] In one particular embodiment where this additional or tertiary layer is a plastic polymer, the secondary and tertiary layers can be combined together as a multi-layer plastic film, which can include an inner tertiary layer disposed between two outer secondary layers.

[0064] Preferably, the inner tertiary layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, especially a butenediol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0065] Preferably, the outer secondary polymer layer can be selected from a film of polylactic acid (PLA), a film of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a film of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a film of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and a film of starch. The secondary film can also be composed of a polymer blend formed from any combination of these listed polymers.

[0066] Preferably, these three layers are attached by two intermediate adhesive layers, preferably anhydride-modified polymer resins. Typically, the multiple plastic layers are produced by coextrusion.

[0067] The multi-layer paper material may further include ink printed on one of its surfaces, the ink printing preferably being food-safe.

[0068] The multi-layer paper material may further comprise a protective layer on its outermost surface, which may provide protection in the event of ink printing, and in which case this protective layer is preferably transparent.

[0069] In addition, depending on the quality of paper used, this protective layer can provide the function of preventing the paper from adhering to the downstream perforation mechanism, with the risk that some small pieces of torn paper will remain attached to the downstream perforation mechanism when and after the pod is ejected from the extraction device.

[0070] The combination of different layers of materials, depending on the nature of the layers, Co-lamination or co-extrusion of layers; coating or depositing one compound onto another to form a layer on top of another; Co-extrusion coating, It can be obtained by any type of process.

[0071] Additionally, the different layers may be bonded to one another by intermediate adhesive layers.

[0072] Typically, the first and second surrounding walls are made of the same multi-layer paper material, except that at least the second surrounding wall has an outer surface covered with a protective layer. Depending on the type of pod, all surrounding walls may be covered with this protective layer, especially if the pod can be introduced into the brewing device in any orientation, as in the second embodiment of the pod described above.

[0073] This protective layer is Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Cellulose layer (cellophane) Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, A polymer blend layer formed from any combination of the polymers listed above. It could be.

[0074] Preferably, this protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose, especially Cellophane™.

[0075] In this application: The term "pod" is used broadly to 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 being limited to the shape of this container, particularly the shape of the body, or the type of perforation means required to extract the beverage therefrom.

[0076] The expression "compostable material" may be understood as any material that can be decomposed by (the action of) living organisms (microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi or algae) into environmentally harmless products. This process may take place in an environment where oxygen is present (aerobic) or where oxygen is absent (anaerobic). This may be understood, for example, to mean that composting can be carried out without concern. In particular, at the end of the composting process, there are no residues of material that may be problematic for the environment or any non-biodegradable components. International standards, such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400, specify the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0077] 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]

[0078] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pod used in the system of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 1E] 1 shows a schematic representation of the multi-layer paper material of the pod. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an extraction device used in the system of the present invention in a closed position. [Figure 2B]FIG. 1 is a top view of an extraction device used in the system of the present invention in a closed position. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is an isolated side view of the upstream and downstream pod surrounding portions of the extraction device in the open position. [Figure 3B] 3B is an isolated side view of the upstream and downstream pod enclosure portions of FIG. 3A in a closed position. [Figure 3C] 3B is an isolated side view of the upstream and downstream pod enclosures of FIG. 3A in the pod ejection position. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the upstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4B] 3B is an exploded perspective view of the piercing mechanism of the downstream pod surrounding portion of FIG. 3A. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4C is a close-up view of the aperture element of the perforation mechanism of FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid system of a beverage preparation machine; [Figure 7] 1 provides curves for the preparation of coffee using a system according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] Figure 1A (perspective view) and Figure 1B (exploded view) show a first embodiment of a pod 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0080] The pod 3 comprises a pod body 31 having one side wall 311 extending axially from a bottom wall 313 to the top. The side wall 311 extends to an upper opening 312. At the upper opening 312, the body comprises a peripheral annular flange 314 extending radially outward from the side wall 311 along the periphery of the opening 312.

[0081] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0082] Generally, any cross section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0083] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0084] The packaged beverage ingredient is preferably an ingredient that can be extracted under pressure, such as roast and ground coffee. Preferably, the roast and ground coffee is compressed.

[0085] In a second preferred method, the beverage ingredients can be infused like tea leaves or dissolved like water-soluble powdered ingredients, which may be, for example, water-soluble powdered ingredients such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of these powders, or even soluble liquid ingredients or beverage concentrates such as syrup or milk concentrate. The powders may be compressed, agglomerated or sintered.

[0086] 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 upper opening 312 .

[0087] The lower wall 313 is configured to be perforated, as described further below, so that liquid can be poured into the pod through the perforated openings. In Figures 1A-1B, this lower portion is somewhat flat, but the lower portion can have other shapes, such as a conical or frusto-conical shape.

[0088] The lid 32 is configured to be opened by relative engagement with the piercing mechanism under the influence of increased liquid pressure inside the pod during injection of liquid.

[0089] The pod shape is symmetrical about a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the bottom wall to the lid, and the pod shape is asymmetrical about the plane of the lid 32 and flange 314.

[0090] Preferably, the pod 3 is made of an essentially biodegradable or compostable material, preferably a home compostable material, so that the coffee cake after extraction can be easily composted at home.

[0091] Preferably, the body and lid of the pod are made from a multi-layer paper material comprising at least a paper layer coated with a plastic layer.

[0092] In this multi-layer paper material, the paper layers are formable, i.e., the paper sheets can be given a three-dimensional shape, which is the shape of the body of the pod as described above. In contrast to typical pods made from filter paper, this paper is thick and maintains the three-dimensional shape given to it during the forming step of the pod's manufacture.

[0093] Preferably, the paper layer of the pod has a density of at least 20 g / m 2 , preferably up to 150 g / m 2 The body paper may have a higher basis weight than the lid paper because it needs to be stretched and deformed during manufacturing.

[0094] The paper weight of the main body is 80 to 150 g / m 2 It can be said that:

[0095] The lid is 20 to 120 g / m 2 The sheet may have a basis weight of

[0096] In multi-layer paper materials, the plastic layer provides additional properties, such as air barrier, stretchable or deformable properties, as described, for example, in WO 2020 / 114995 or WO 2022 / 022899.

[0097] Indeed, the paper must be thick enough to be molded into a beverage container and to provide a barrier to protect the beverage ingredients. Additionally, multi-layered paper contains a compostable plastic layer to create a barrier against the atmosphere, particularly oxygen, to which roast and ground coffee is particularly susceptible. A sealant layer is often required to attach the different layers together and prevent delamination.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic layer of the multi-layer paper is a multi-layer plastic layer comprising an inner barrier film disposed between two outer polymer films, The inner barrier film is a butenediol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film (tertiary layer), The outer polymer film can be chosen from films of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and starch (secondary layer).

[0099] The multi-ply paper material of the lid may include at least one additional layer that the paper material of the body does not necessarily include, but it is also possible that the multi-ply paper material of the lid and body is the same.

[0100] Specifically, the outer surface of the multi-layered paper material of the top cover can be covered with a protective layer. In a preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a film containing regenerated cellulose. Like the multi-layered paper, this protective layer is torn by the downstream perforation mechanism during the first step.

[0101] FIG. 1E shows a schematic representation of the multi-layered paper of the lid 32, including its inner surface facing the chamber to its outer surface facing the outside of the pod. a plastic layer B having barrier properties; Plastic layer A, Optional protective layer C.

[0102] Figure 1C (perspective view) and Figure 1D (exploded view) show a second embodiment of a pod 3 that can be used in the extraction device of the present invention.

[0103] the pod comprises identical first and second surrounding walls 31, 31', each comprising a pod body 311, 311' defining half a chamber and a peripheral annular body flange 314, 314'; The peripheral annular body flanges of the pod body are attached to one another to define a chamber for containing beverage ingredients 33 .

[0104] In this second embodiment, the pod shape is symmetrical about a central axial axis ZZ' extending from the lower wall to the lid and about the plane of the attached flanges 314, 314'. As a result, regardless of the orientation of the pod inside the brewing device, either the entire first surrounding wall 31 or the second surrounding wall 31' can face the upstream pod surrounding portion. For this reason, both surrounding portions 31, 31' preferably comprise the same multi-layer paper material with their outer surfaces covered by a protective layer C, as shown in Figure 1E.

[0105] The following description relates to an extraction device that can be used in an advantageous manner with the pod 3 according to the first embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B.

[0106] For the pod according to the second embodiment, the following description applies, with the difference that the brewing device must be configured to accept such a pod. For example, the brewing devices described in WO 2007 / 135135, WO 2004 / 071259, WO 2013026844 or EP 1 767 129 can be used.

[0107] FIG. 2A is a side view of an extraction device according to the present invention, comprising an upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and a downstream pod enclosing portion 1, which are relatively movable along a longitudinal axis XX'. Typically, this axis XX' is essentially horizontal. In FIG. 2A, these two portions are in a closed position, forming an extraction chamber configured to enclose the pod during extraction. The pod is introduced through an insertion section 4 arranged above the two enclosing portions 1, 2, and can fall from the insertion section 4 into these two enclosing portions 1, 2 by gravity. After extraction, when the two enclosing portions 1, 2 move away from each other, the pod can again fall below these two enclosing portions 1, 2 by gravity. Arrow F indicates the movement of the pod from its insertion into the extraction device to its ejection from the device.

[0108] The two pod enclosing parts 1, 2 are held and movable between two lateral longitudinal metal sheets 6a, 6b. At least one of these parts is translatable between these two sheets to achieve different relative and functional positions. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the downstream enclosing part 1 is fixed, and only the upstream enclosing part 2 is movable back and forth along the longitudinal axis XX'.

[0109] 2B is a top view of the brewing device with the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1 in the same relative position. The insertion section 4, and more particularly its housing, is designed so that the pod 2 can be introduced with its lid 32 facing the downstream pod enclosing part 1 and therefore with the piercing mechanism 12 of said enclosing part facing, as will be explained below. As a result, the user is prompted to correctly position the asymmetric pod 3 inside the brewing device.

[0110] As shown in Figure 6, in a beverage preparation machine equipped with an extraction device, the upstream pod surrounding part, or more precisely the liquid injector 25, is connected to a source of liquid, preferably pressurized water. This liquid supply system usually comprises: a liquid supply such as a liquid tank 74; a pump 72 for pumping liquid from the liquid supply to the liquid injector 25; and heating and / or cooling means 73 for adapting the temperature of the liquid before it is introduced into the interior of the pod by the liquid injector.

[0111] The beverage machine comprises a control unit 8 configured for supplying liquid to the brewing device.

[0112] The upstream pod surrounding part is designed to collect the beverage 91 prepared by extraction of the pod and dispense it into the drinking cup 9 by means of a dispensing pipe.

[0113] Figures 3A-3C are isolated side views of the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1 of the extraction device of Figures 2A-2B in different relative and functional positions. In these isolated views, the insert section 4 and the longitudinal sheets 6a, 6b have been removed to better view the different elements of parts 1, 2. Additionally, the position of the pod 3 is shown diagrammatically with dotted lines.

[0114] In Figure 3A, the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 are positioned in an open position for inserting a pod from above. A pod holder 11 is visible in front of the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 in a receiving position for receiving and holding a pod, as will be further described below in connection with Figure 4A.

[0115] In Figure 3B, the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 and the downstream pod enclosing portion 1 are arranged in a closed position to form a brewing chamber that surrounds the pod during brewing.

[0116] FIG. 3C shows the upstream pod enclosing portion 2 at a moment in time when it is moving from the closed position of FIG. 3B to the pod ejection position as indicated by arrow H.

[0117] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the upstream pod enclosure portion 2 of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0118] The upstream portion defines an empty cage or cavity 21 for enclosing the pod body.

[0119] The upstream wall of the cage carries an upstream piercing mechanism 22 for opening the lower wall 313 of the pod body. The upstream wall is provided with at least one liquid injector 25 for supplying liquid into the pod through a hole opened in the lower wall of the pod.

[0120] The upstream perforation mechanism can include perforators in the form of blades that can be designed and positioned to perforate the bottom wall of the pod body when the upstream and downstream pod enclosures are in the closed position, as shown in Figure 3B. A liquid injector 25, e.g., a shower, in the upstream wall of the cage can introduce brewing liquid into the cage through pre-drilled openings.

[0121] Figure 4B is an isolated perspective view of the downstream pod enclosing portion 2 of Figure 3A. The downstream portion 1 defines a plate perpendicular (i.e. transverse) to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate is provided with a fixed 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.

[0122] Typically, this central downstream planar perforating mechanism 12 is circular like the lid of a pod.

[0123] The opening occurs when the spike engages with 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, which has an opening element 121, e.g., a spike, which may have a conical shape, on its surface facing the lid. In addition, the plate has a transverse hole for releasing the extracted beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle that collects and dispenses the beverage into a drinking cup.

[0124] The downstream part 1 comprises a pod holder 11 attached to a peripheral area 13 .

[0125] While attached, the pod holder can be moved between two positions: In Figure 4B, the pod holder 11 is in a first position to receive and hold the pod lid in front of the downstream planar piercing mechanism.

[0126] The pair of holding elements 11a, 11b are movable from a receiving position to a second, retracted position at the side of the downstream planar drilling mechanism.

[0127] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the plate 12 and aperture element 121 of the downstream planar drilling mechanism according to the illustrated preferred embodiment.

[0128] The opening elements are cones rising from the surface of the plate and have tips or pointed ends designed to pierce the paper layers of the multi-layer paper material by the effect of the pod lid being pressed against these cones when the downstream part 1 and the upstream part 2 are moved to the closed position.

[0129] The downstream planar perforation mechanism comprises crossover holes 122 which are designed so that their upstream ends on the side of the plate facing the pod are located in a part of the cone of the opening element 121. The upstream ends of the crossover holes extend from the base of the cone along a part of the side of said cone. This design allows the pouring of the beverage even when the multi-layer paper of the lid is thick.

[0130] FIG. 7 provides curves for the preparation of coffee from a pod such as that shown in FIG. 1A containing roast and ground coffee in a brewing device according to the invention having the features shown in FIGS. 2A to 6.

[0131] Curve C1 corresponds to the curve of the pressure measured inside the fluid system and corresponds to the pressure of the water inside the pod during coffee preparation.

[0132] Curve C2 corresponds to the weight of coffee 91 received in a drinking cup 9 placed on the scale.

[0133] Additionally, Figure 7 provides photographs of the pods at different brewing times. These photographs were obtained by stopping the brewing at the corresponding times and taking the following photographs: The exterior of the second pod enclosure wall in series P1, The interior surface of the second pod enclosure wall after opening and disassembling the pod in series P2.

[0134] To see if there were any holes in the paper, a photograph was taken using a magnifying glass and lighting on the backside of the multi-layer paper.

[0135] The multi-layer paper material of the body 31 of the pod has a thickness of 195 μm, an outer layer A of paper; an inner plastic layer B comprising an inner barrier film disposed between two outer polymer films; The inner barrier film is a sheet of BVOH (Nichigo G-Polymer™ supplied by Nippon Goshei), Both outer polymer films were of the same nature, a polymer blend of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) (Ecovio® 40 FS23N1 supplied by BASF).

[0136] The multi-layer paper material of the pod lid 32 has a thickness of about 165 μm; an inner plastic layer B identical to the inner plastic layer used in the pod body; an intermediate layer A of paper having a thickness thinner than that of the paper layers used in the main multi-layer paper material; and one outer protective layer C made of regenerated cellulose (Cellophane 23NE manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0137] The coffee pods were extracted with 110 mL of hot water at 78°C and delivered at a pressure of 10–12 bar.

[0138] Based on Figure 7, the following can be observed: At time t1, the two enclosing parts of the extraction device have moved to surround the pod. On the outside of the lid, the protective layer and the outer layer of paper are torn, but on the inside of the lid, no perforations are visible. At time t2, water is introduced into the pod, causing it to fill. Pressure increases. The lid is still not perforated on the inside, but the stretching of the plastic layer is evident and can be felt by running a finger over the surface of the lid. At time t3, water is still introduced and the pressure continues to increase. The small dip in pressure curve C1 just above t3 corresponds to the lid being opened when the tip of the opening element tears the inner surface of the lid and further expands to engage the opening element. The black arrow at time t3 on series P2 indicates one of these tears. This initial opening occurs at a pressure of 5 bar, which is optimal for creating cream in the coffee. At times t4, t5 and t6, water is still introduced and the pressure inside the pod continues to increase. Further cracks appear on the inner surface of the lid, the surface of these cracks becoming larger and larger (see series of photos P2 and black arrows), allowing the coffee to be dispensed. At t6, the coffee begins to drip into the drinking cup as shown by curve C2. At times t7-t9, a maximum pressure of about 12 bar is reached and the coffee dispense continues regularly, ie the flow never stops.

[0139] Curve C1 corresponds to the optimal preparation of lungo coffee from roast and ground coffee, which is neither under-extracted nor over-extracted and includes a layer of crema.

[0140] The design of the system has the advantage of allowing for gradual perforation of different layers of the second pod surrounding wall, ensuring optimal preparation of espresso coffee, in particular by opening the pod at a pressure above 4 bar to provide crema and below 10 bar to avoid prolonged pouring or even flow halts.

[0141] Other systems with different aperture elements and different multi-layer materials include: wherein in a first step of preparing the beverage, the opening element only partially perforates the multi-layer paper material so that at least the plastic layer facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod is not perforated; during a second step of beverage preparation, the opening element completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second enclosing wall lid relative to the opening element; They can be designed according to each other according to the conditions.

[0142] The system depends on the properties of each of the aperture elements and the multilayer material. The following rules can be followed to design a system according to the invention. If the tip of the opening element is not sharp enough (such as a truncated pyramid), the paper layer may not be pierced or the plastic layer may not tear when the extraction device is closed. If the tip of the opening element is too sharp or too tall for the thickness of the multi-layer paper, the opening element may pierce all layers of the multi-layer paper when the extraction device is closed, preventing the pressure build-up required to produce crema. If the paper layer is too thick for the aperture element, the paper layer may not be sufficiently perforated upon closing of the extraction device, and the multi-layer paper may not be fully perforated. If the plastic layers of the multi-layer paper are too extensible, they may not tear at all or may tear too slowly, resulting in no pouring or a pouring that lasts too long. If the plastic layer of the multi-layer paper is not stretchable, it may tear when the brewing device is closed, preventing the pressure build-up required to produce crema.

[0143] 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 these illustrated embodiments.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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]

[0146] 1. Downstream Enclosure 11 Pod Holder 12 Downstream plate drilling mechanism 121 Spiked part 13 Surrounding Areas 14 chassis 2. Upstream Enclosure 21 Cage 22 Upstream drilling mechanism 25 Liquid syringe 3 pods 31, 31' Main body 311 Side wall 3111 Upper end 312 Top opening 313 Lower Wall 314, 314' flange 3141 Upper surface 3142 Lower surface 32 Lid 33 Raw Materials 4 Insert Section 5 Extraction Chamber 6a, 6b side seats 71 Tank 72 Pump 73 Heater 8. Control Unit 9 drinking cups 91 Coffee

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, preferably roast and ground coffee, the pod (3) comprises first and second surrounding walls (31, 31', 32), the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall defining a chamber for enclosing the beverage ingredient (33); the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material, the multi-layer paper material comprising at least one paper layer (A) combined with at least one plastic layer (B), preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that at least one plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pod; the beverage preparation machine comprises a brewing device for brewing a beverage from the pod, the brewing device comprising: an upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and a downstream pod enclosing portion (1) that are relatively movable between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pod (3) and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber (5) that encloses the pod during brewing; The upstream portion (2) an upstream piercing mechanism (22) for opening the first surrounding wall (31) of the pod; a liquid injector (25); It supports the downstream portion (1) comprises a downstream perforation mechanism (12) for opening the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod, the downstream perforation mechanism comprising a plate (121); the surface of the plate facing the second wall of the pod comprises an opening element (122) rising from said surface; the plate has a transverse hole for releasing the dispensed beverage from the open second wall; During the preparation of the beverage, the extraction device In a first step, the pod (3) is enclosed between the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and the downstream pod enclosing portion (1); Then, in a second step, a liquid is introduced into the enclosed interior of the pod (3) through the liquid injector (23). It is structured as follows: the opening element (122) of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multilayer material of the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod, In the first step, the opening element (122) only partially perforates the multi-layer paper material so that at least the plastic layer facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod is not perforated; During the second step, the opening element (122) completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second enclosing wall lid relative to the opening element (122). It is designed to system.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening element (122) of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multi-layer material of the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod are designed such that in the first step, the opening element (122) perforates only the paper layer of the multi-layer paper material.

3. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening element (122) of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multi-layer material of the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod are designed so that during the second step, under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second surrounding wall lid relative to the opening element (122), after the pressure inside the pod reaches at least 3 bar, preferably at least 4 bar, the opening element (122) completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement with the second surrounding wall.

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the opening element (122) of the downstream perforating mechanism and the multi-layer material of the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod are designed so that during the second step, under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second surrounding wall lid relative to the opening element (122), the opening element (122) completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement with the second surrounding wall before the pressure inside the pod reaches a maximum of 10 bar, preferably a maximum of 9 bar.

5. the opening element of the downstream perforating mechanism is designed to have a tip, The plastic layer (B) facing the inner portion of the chamber of the pod, The tip of the opening element is extendable during the first step of preparing the beverage; In the second step of preparing the beverage, the tip of the opening element is torn. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the extraction device is configured to push the pod so that the second surrounding wall of the pod is pressed against the opening element of the downstream perforation mechanism (12) when the pod surrounding portion (1) and the pod surrounding portion (2) move relative to each other to enclose the pod in the extraction chamber.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pod (3) contains compressed beverage ingredients, preferably compressed roast and ground coffee.

8. The plastic layer (A) facing the inner portion of the chamber of the pod is a polylactic acid (PLA) layer; Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer; a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer; a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer; A polymer blend layer formed from any combination of the above polymers The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the number of the first and second inputs is selected from the list of:

9. The multi-layer paper material includes an additional layer, the layer comprising: a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) layer, in particular a butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH) layer; a polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer; Metallization coating, SiO ｘ coatings, AlO ｘ coatings, A combination of these The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the number of the first and second inputs is selected from the list of:

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the additional layer is a plastic polymer, the plastic layer is a multi-layer plastic, the multi-layer plastic comprising the additional layer disposed between two outer layers, the two outer layers being selected from the group consisting of a film of polylactic acid (PLA), a film of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a film of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a film of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), a film of starch, or any film of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the polymers.

11. In the pod, the first surrounding wall is a pod body (31), the pod body having a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining the chamber, and a peripheral annular body flange (314), the pod body containing the beverage ingredient; the second surrounding wall is a top cover (32) attached to the peripheral flange, the top cover closing the top opening of the pod body; In the extraction device, the upstream part (2) defines a cage (21) defining a cage designed to surround the pod body (31) and carrying an upstream piercing mechanism (22) for opening the lower wall (313) of the pod; the downstream portion (1) defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX'), the plate comprising a downstream piercing mechanism (12) for opening the lid (32) of the pod; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In the pod, each of the first and second surrounding walls being a pod body (31), the pod body comprising a side wall (311) and a bottom wall (313) defining half of the chamber, and a peripheral annular body flange (314); the peripheral annular body flanges of the pod body are attached to one another; In the extraction device, the upstream part (2) and the downstream part (1) define a cage (21) for enclosing the pod. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. the pod (3) comprises first and second surrounding walls (31, 31', 32), the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall defining a chamber for enclosing the beverage ingredient (33); the first pod surrounding wall and the second pod surrounding wall of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material, the material comprising at least one paper layer (A) combined with at least one plastic layer (B), preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that at least one plastic layer faces the interior portion of the chamber of the pod; The multilayer material of the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod is the opening element (122) only partially perforates the multi-layer paper material so that at least the plastic layer facing the interior portion of the chamber of the pod is not perforated when the upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and the downstream pod enclosing portion (1) enclose the pod; When liquid is introduced into the enclosed pod (3), the opening element (122) completely perforates the multi-layer paper material by relative engagement under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the pod and the expansion of the second enclosing wall lid relative to the opening element (122). It is designed to Use of a pod in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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