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 at least a paper layer coated with a plastic layer, and the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the top lid being covered by a layer having a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm.

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 pods made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, in particular essentially paper. These new materials have specific properties and pose certain challenges during beverage preparation and handling of the pods in the brewing device, in particular different mechanical properties before and after brewing.

[0006] WO 2020 / 114995 and WO 2022 / 022899 describe such biodegradable pods made of paper that can be used in the above-mentioned systems. During coffee preparation, significant variations in the quality of coffee obtained from the same pod were observed, even though the pods were identical. In particular, it was observed that the quality of the first coffee produced from a machine that had not been used for a long time differed from the quality of subsequent coffees produced after the first coffee.

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

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod as claimed in claim 1 and by a pod as claimed in claim 10.

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, The pod a pod having first and second surrounding walls, the first and second pod surrounding walls defining a chamber for enclosing beverage ingredients, the first and second pod surrounding walls of the pod being made of a multi-layered paper material, the material including at least a paper layer combined with a plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer, the multi-layered paper material being oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the pod chamber; The machine comprises an extraction device, the device comprising: an upstream pod enclosing portion and a downstream pod enclosing portion that are relatively movable along a longitudinal axis 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 portion supports an upstream piercing mechanism and a liquid injector for opening the first wall of the pod; the downstream portion includes a downstream piercing mechanism for opening the second wall of the pod; the exterior surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer on at least the second wall of the pod; The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm.

[0010] The brewing device is typically included in a beverage preparation machine configured to accept the pod. For example, the machine may be a coffee, tea, chocolate, or soup preparation machine, preferably a coffee machine. 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, such as roast and ground coffee, tea leaves, instant coffee, instant tea, chocolate, cocoa, dairy powder, or dried soup. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The upstream pod surrounding portion and the downstream pod surrounding portion are relatively movable along the longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting a pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber that surrounds the pod during extraction.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The downstream or dispensing portion defines a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis. This plate therefore extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX'. This plate of the downstream portion includes a downstream planar perforation mechanism for opening the second wall of the pod when the brewing liquid is introduced into the pod. Typically, this downstream planar perforation mechanism is designed to open the second wall by engaging with the lid under the influence of the increased pressure of the liquid injected into the chamber of the pod and the expansion of the second wall relative to the perforation mechanism. This downstream planar perforation mechanism may include a rigid plate provided on its surface facing the second wall with a plurality of opening elements, such as spikes, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with truncated ends, and recessed elements.

[0018] The plate further comprises a transverse hole for discharging the beverage dispensed from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle which collects the beverage and dispenses it into a drinking cup.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In this first embodiment, the pod has an asymmetric shape.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The liquid is usually water.

[0028] The beverage machine typically comprises an actuator, either manual or electric, for actuating the movement of the surrounding part of the brewing device.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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:

[0031] The pod is inserted between the upstream and downstream pod enclosing portions, which are arranged in the open position. Typically, the pod is received in a pod holder that holds the pod on the longitudinal axis (XX') between the two pod enclosing portions, which are held apart from each other in the open position.

[0032] The upstream pod enclosing portion and / or the downstream pod enclosing portion are then moved relative to each other to a closed position to form a brewing chamber surrounding the pod for the next brewing. During this step, the outer surfaces of the first and second walls of the pod are in contact with the surfaces of the upstream and downstream perforating mechanisms. If water is present on the surfaces of the upstream and downstream perforating mechanisms, the properties of the paper material of the pod may be affected when the upstream and / or downstream pod enclosing portions enclose the pod, even if brewing has not yet begun.

[0033] Next, extraction water is injected by a liquid injector 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 increases 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 piercing the second wall, creating an opening. Once the tear occurs, coffee extracted by the pressurized water from the roast and ground coffee flows out and is dispensed from the machine. The tear must not occur before the pressure inside the pod increases. Otherwise, the pressure required to obtain the desired coffee extraction will not be reached, resulting in an under-extracted coffee beverage. Additionally, to ensure a consistent appearance and sensory profile of the coffee beverage, each pod must be opened at the same pressure and for the same operating time.

[0034] Depending on the nature of the lid, the surface of the pod lid may become wet when it comes into contact with a wet downstream piercing mechanism, which may require very high pressure to pierce the lid, and if the pump power is not sufficient, there is a risk that the lid will not be pierced at all.

[0035] In this system, the first and second pod surrounding walls of the pod are made of a multi-layer paper material, which includes at least a paper layer combined with a plastic layer.

[0036] Preferably, all components of the pod, and in particular all components of this multi-layer paper material, are compostable.

[0037] The paper layers of the multi-layer paper material may be formable paper sheets.

[0038] Alternatively, and at least for the pod body, this paper layer can be formed as follows. Wet pulp molding. Therein, 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, preferably of 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.

[0039] 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 forming the body may have a higher basis weight than the paper layer forming the lid because it needs to be deformed during manufacture.

[0040] The paper layer of this multi-layer paper material may also be identified as the primary layer in this application.

[0041] Whatever the type of paper layer, this layer is combined with at least a plastic layer, which may also be identified as a secondary layer in this application.

[0042] The plastic layer is Polylactic acid (PLA) layer, Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) layer, A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above polymers. You can select from the list.

[0043] The paper layer can be combined with several of these different plastic layers.

[0044] This plastic layer provides additional protection for the paper layer for the beverage ingredients against liquids, gases and moisture.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In one particular embodiment where the 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.

[0048] Preferably, the inner tertiary layer is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PVOH) film, especially a butenediol vinyl alcohol (BVOH) film.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The multi-layer paper material may further include ink printed on one of its surfaces, the ink printing preferably being food-safe.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Additionally, the different layers may be bonded to one another by intermediate adhesive layers.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the polymers listed above. It could be.

[0056] Preferably, this protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose, especially Cellophane™.

[0057] In addition, the outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm.

[0058] By external surface is meant the surface of the multi-layer paper material that is external to the chamber of the pod, i.e. the surface of the pod that comes into contact with the downstream perforation mechanism of the downstream pod-enclosing part of the brewing device during beverage preparation.

[0059] The surface tension of the outer surface of this protective layer is measured by a method based on contact angle measurements according to standard ISO 19403-2:2017.

[0060] The external surface of the lid having a low surface tension as described above avoids differences in quality in the preparation of beverages, particularly coffee, between a first beverage prepared with an extraction device used for the first time that day (and therefore implicitly dry) and a second beverage prepared with an extraction device used immediately after the first beverage has been prepared (and therefore implicitly wet).

[0061] In a second aspect, there is provided a pod for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, the pod comprising first and second surrounding walls, the pod surrounding walls defining a chamber, the chamber containing 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 material including at least a paper layer combined with a plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pod; the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer at least at the second pod surrounding wall; The outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic). This may be understood to mean, for example, that composting can be carried out without concerns. 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.

[0064] International standards, such as EU13432 or US ASTM D6400, specify the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0065] 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]

[0066] 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] 10 shows curves of water pressure measured in the system during beverage preparation using different pods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The flange has an upper surface 3142 facing the top and a lower surface 3141 .

[0070] Generally, any cross section of the body is circular from bottom to top, and the flange is also circular.

[0071] The body defines a chamber for containing beverage ingredients.

[0072] The packaged beverage ingredient is preferably an ingredient that can be extracted under pressure, such as roast and ground coffee.

[0073] In a second preferred method, the beverage ingredient can be infused like tea leaves or dissolved like a water-soluble powdered ingredient, which may be, for example, a water-soluble powdered ingredient such as instant coffee powder, milk powder, cream powder, instant tea powder, cocoa powder, soup powder, fruit powder or a mixture of the above powders, or even a soluble liquid ingredient or a beverage concentrate such as a syrup or a milk concentrate.

[0074] The powder may be compressed, agglomerated, or sintered.

[0075] 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 .

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 can have a basis weight higher than the lid paper because it has to be deformed during manufacturing.

[0083] The paper weight of the main body is 80 to 150 g / m 2 It can be said that:

[0084] The lid is 20 to 120 g / m 2 The sheet may have a basis weight of

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] The multi-ply paper material of the lid includes at least one additional layer that the paper material of the body does not necessarily include, although the multi-ply paper material of the lid and body may be the same.

[0089] To be precise, the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the top cover is covered with a protective layer, so that the outer surface of the top cover has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose.

[0091] 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, Protective layer C.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 .

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] For the pod according to the second embodiment, the following description applies, with the difference that the brewing device must be configured to receive 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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'.

[0099] 2B is a top view of the extraction device with the upstream pod enclosing part 2 and the downstream pod enclosing part 1 in the same relative position. The 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 explained below. As a result, the user is prompted to correctly position the asymmetric pod 3 inside the extraction device.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The beverage machine comprises a control unit 8 configured for supplying liquid to the brewing device.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 further described below in connection with Figure 4A.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the upstream pod enclosure portion 2 of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0107] The upstream portion defines an empty cage or cavity 21 for enclosing the pod body.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Typically, this central downstream planar perforating mechanism 12 is circular like the lid of a pod.

[0112] 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 provided on its surface facing the lid with opening elements 121, such as spikes, which may have the shape of a cone or pyramid, optionally with removed ends. The plate further comprises transverse holes for releasing the extracted beverage from the opened lid to a tube or nozzle that collects and dispenses the beverage into a drinking cup.

[0113] The downstream part 1 comprises a pod holder 11 attached to a peripheral area 13 .

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 5 is an enlarged view of the plate 12 and aperture element 121 of the downstream planar drilling mechanism. The crossover holes 122 are designed so that their upstream ends, on the side of the plate facing the pod, are located in part of the aperture element 121. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the aperture element 121 is a cone with a sharp end, and the upstream ends of the crossover holes extend from the bottom of the cone along part of the side of the cone.

[0117] This design of the upstream end of the hole is preferable when the multi-layer paper of the lid is thick, as it ensures that the hole is not blocked by the thick paper material and that the extracted coffee can be poured through the hole 122.

[0118] Additionally, other multi-layer papers can be used to implement other types of aperture elements 121 of the downstream planar perforation mechanism, such as truncated pyramids.

[0119] Example Different coffee pods 3 containing 8.8 g of roast and ground coffee according to Figures 1A and 1B were manufactured with lids 32 made of different materials and then extracted in a beverage preparation machine equipped with an extraction device as shown in Figures 2A to 5.

[0120] The multi-layer paper material of the body 31 of the pod has a thickness of 195 μm, an outer layer of paper; an inner plastic layer including 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).

[0121] The bodies of all pods were made of the same materials as above, but the materials of the pod lids varied as explained below.

[0122] 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 selected from one of the layers in Table 1.

[0123] Table 1 shows the composition and surface tension of the surface of Layer C facing outward from the pod.

[0124] All listed protective layers are supplied by Futamura company and differ from each other by surface treatments that result in different surface tension values.

[0125] [Table 1]

[0126] The different coffee pods were extracted with 110 ml of hot water at 78°C supplied at a pressure of 10-12 bar.

[0127] For each type of pod, A first series of 10 coffee drinks was made in a state where the downstream opening mechanism 12 was dry and cold, as if the brewing device had not been used for a period of time (allowing the internal parts of the brewing chamber to dry out between each beverage preparation). A second series of 10 coffee drinks was made immediately after the first series, thus using the brewing device with the downstream opening mechanism 12 still wet from the previous coffee preparation.

[0128] For each type of pod, the quality of the two series of coffee drinks was analyzed and compared, and the results are summarized in Table 2. During each extraction, the quality was analyzed objectively by measuring: The water pressure measured inside the fluid system and an estimate of the maximum pressure during the extraction process; and The time it takes for the coffee to flow from the brewing device.

[0129] These measurements of maximum pressure and flow time of the first series were compared with those obtained during the second series by calculating ΔPmax and Δflowtime.

[0130] The pressure was measured at a location in the fluid supply system downstream of the pump 72 and upstream of the liquid injector 25, for example at point D shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the curve of the pressure measured during coffee extraction and how the maximum pressure Pmax was identified on that curve.

[0131] The flow time was measured from detecting the first drop of coffee in the container placed on the connected scale until 110 grams of coffee drink was measured.

[0132] These measurements are shown in Table 2 for each type of pod.

[0133] Significant differences in these measurements, depending on the nature of the protective layer on the exterior surface of the lid, demonstrated differences in the quality of the coffee beverages produced by the machine. Such variations are unacceptable for an automated beverage system.

[0134] [Table 2]

[0135] In particular, the pressure curves measured during the second coffee extraction series showed that a significant pressure peak, P0, occurred at the beginning of extraction when the outer protective layer on the pod lid surface had a surface tension above 40 dynes / cm. In Figure 7B, this peak rose to 12 bar. This peak was due to the pod surface wetting as it came into contact with the wetted perforation mechanism after the extraction chamber was closed.

[0136] In addition to the impact on the extraction difference between the first series of coffee beverages and the second series of coffee beverages, the presence of a pressure peak at the start of extraction increases the risk of poor extraction, such that the holes configured to release the coffee beverage become clogged and the beverage does not come out properly.

[0137] These examples confirm that by selecting a protective layer with an outer surface having a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, variations in the quality of coffee drinks are avoided regardless of when these coffees are prepared, i.e., whether it is the first coffee of the day or the next.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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]

[0141] 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

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising a beverage preparation machine and a pod containing beverage ingredients, 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 a paper layer (A) combined with a plastic layer (B), preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pod; The beverage preparation machine comprises an extraction device, the extraction device comprising: an upstream pod enclosing portion (2) and a downstream pod enclosing portion (1) relatively movable along a longitudinal axis (XX') between an open position for inserting and / or ejecting the pod (3) and a closed position for forming a brewing chamber (5) surrounding the pod during brewing, the upstream portion (2) carrying an upstream piercing mechanism (22) and a liquid injector (25) for opening the first surrounding wall (31) of the pod; the downstream portion (1) comprises a downstream piercing mechanism (12) for opening the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod; The outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer (C) at least at the second pod surrounding wall (32), the outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm; system.

2. the downstream planar perforation mechanism (12) for opening the second surrounding wall (32) of the pod comprises a rigid plate; a surface of the rigid plate facing the second wall of the pod comprises an aperture element; the rigid plate is provided with a transverse hole for releasing the dispensed beverage from the open second wall; The system of claim 1 .

3. The plastic layer a polylactic acid (PLA) layer; Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer; a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer; a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer; A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above polymers.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are selected from the list:

4. 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 3, wherein the system is selected from the list of:

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the additional layer is a plastic polymer, and the multiple plastic layers include 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.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective layer is a film comprising regenerated cellulose.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the beverage ingredient contained within the pod body is roast and ground coffee.

8. 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 7.

9. In the pod, each of the first and second pod 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 portion (2) and the downstream portion (1) define a cage (21) for enclosing the pod; the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the portions is covered by a protective layer having a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm in each of the first pod-enclosing portion and the second pod-enclosing portion; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A pod (3) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, said pod (3) comprising a first pod surrounding wall (31) and a second pod surrounding wall (32), said pod surrounding walls defining a chamber, said chamber containing a 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 including at least a paper layer combined with a plastic layer, preferably a compostable plastic layer; the multi-layer paper material is oriented so that the plastic layer faces an interior portion of the chamber of the pod; the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material is covered by a protective layer at least at the second pod surrounding wall; the outer surface of the protective layer has a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm; Pod (3).

11. The plastic layer a polylactic acid (PLA) layer; Polybutylene succinate (PBS) layer, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) layer; a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) layer; a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer; A layer of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the above polymers.

11. The pod of claim 10, selected from the list:

12. 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 12. The pod according to claim 10 or 11, selected from the list:

13. 13. The pod of claim 12, wherein the additional layer is a plastic polymer, the multiple plastic layers including the additional layer disposed between two outer layers, the two outer layers being 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), a film of starch, or any film of a polymer blend formed from any combination of the polymers.

14. 14. The pod according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the protective layer is a film containing regenerated cellulose.

15. The pod according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the beverage ingredient contained in the pod body is roast and ground coffee.

16. the first pod enclosing portion 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 pod enclosing portion is a top cover (32) attached to the peripheral flange, the top cover closing the top opening of the pod body; A pod according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. each of the first and second pod enclosing portions being a pod body (31), the pod body having 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; the outer surface of the multi-layer paper material of the portions is covered by a protective layer in each of the first pod-enclosing portion and the second pod-enclosing portion; the outer surface of the protective layer having a surface tension of less than 40 dynes / cm, preferably less than 38 dynes / cm, and even more preferably less than 36 dynes / cm; A pod according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

Images